New Delhi, 07 June (H.S.):

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its investigation into an alleged ₹661-crore bank fraud involving the misappropriation of government funds belonging to various departments of the Haryana Government and the Chandigarh Administration. As part of the ongoing probe, the agency conducted searches at six locations across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and the Delhi-NCR region on Saturday.

According to the CBI, the searches were carried out at premises linked to senior public servants belonging to the Haryana cadre, a private company, and its director. The operation forms part of a wider investigation into the alleged diversion and misuse of public funds through banking channels.

The agency stated that preliminary findings indicate that government funds were allegedly misappropriated through accounts maintained with IDFC First Bank and AU Finance Bank. Investigators have identified irregular withdrawals and transfers from accounts belonging to eight departments of the Haryana Government and two departments under the Chandigarh Administration, namely the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and the Society for Promotion of Information Technology and Communication (CREST), Chandigarh.

According to the CBI, evidence gathered during the investigation suggests that certain public officials may have colluded with bank officials in facilitating the operation of these accounts, transferring funds, and subsequently enabling the alleged misuse of public money. The agency alleges that these officials received undue benefits in return for their assistance.

The investigation has also brought to light the alleged involvement of Noida-based Vipam Consultancy Private Limited. The CBI claims that proceeds generated from the alleged criminal activity were first routed through the company’s account before being transferred to the personal account of its director.

During the searches, investigators seized several incriminating documents, digital devices, property-related records, and other materials considered relevant to the case. These items are expected to play a key role in establishing the flow of funds and identifying the individuals involved.

The CBI took over the investigation after assuming control of a case previously handled by the Haryana Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, along with two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Economic Offences Police Station in Chandigarh.

The agency is currently examining allegations of criminal conspiracy, embezzlement of government funds, breach of trust, and other related offences. Officials said the investigation is focused on determining the full extent of the alleged fraud and identifying all individuals and entities involved.

The bureau further disclosed that following the completion of its preliminary investigation, it has already filed its first chargesheet before the CBI Court in Panchkula. The chargesheet reportedly details the roles of officials associated with Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL) and the Haryana School Education Project Council.

According to the CBI, the chargesheet also outlines the alleged mechanism through which government funds belonging to the State of Haryana were withdrawn and diverted through accounts maintained with IDFC First Bank and AU Finance Bank.

The agency stated that investigations into all three cases remain ongoing. Officials added that supplementary chargesheets are expected to be filed as additional evidence emerges during the course of the probe.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar