India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on 7 June that it had searched six locations in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Delhi-NCR in its investigation into the alleged diversion of ₹661 crore of government funds held with IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank.
The premises searched were linked to three Haryana-cadre Indian Administrative Service officers and an Indian Forest Service officer, a former chief executive of the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society, and to Noida-based Vipam Consultancy Pvt Ltd and its director. "Incriminating documents, digital devices, property documents and other relevant material were seized during the search operations," the agency said.
GOVERNMENT FUNDS DIVERTED
The case concerns funds belonging to eight Haryana government departments and two Chandigarh bodies, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society. The CBI said evidence suggested that public servants had colluded with bank officials to facilitate account openings, fund transfers and the subsequent diversion of the money. Proceeds allegedly reached Vipam Consultancy and were then transferred to its director's personal account.
CHARGESHEET FILED IN MAY
The searches followed the CBI's first chargesheet in the case, filed on 21 May before a special court in Panchkula against 13 individuals and two shell entities, including six bank officials. The chargesheet details the roles of officials of Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd and Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad, and further chargesheets are expected against other accused.
The Enforcement Directorate, which is also investigating, puts the amount siphoned off at ₹645 crore. The case was first registered by Haryana's State Vigilance Bureau in February.