The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed two separate chargesheets in the multi-crore IDFC First Bank misappropriation cases linked to the Haryana government and Chandigarh Union Territory, involving a combined alleged loss of ₹657 crore.
Haryana Government Case
In the Haryana government case, the CBI filed its second chargesheet before the Special CBI Court in Panchkula. The latest chargesheet names two private individuals alleged to be recipients of the proceeds of crime. They have been identified as builder Vikram Wadhwa and Rajan Katodia, the owner of Sawan Jewellers Chandigarh. This is the second chargesheet filed in the Haryana case. In May, the agency filed its first chargesheet against 15 accused, including three government officials, six bank officials, two companies and four private individuals. The investigation pertains to the alleged diversion and misappropriation of funds belonging to eight departments of the Haryana government.
Chandigarh Smart City Limited Case
In a separate development, the CBI filed its first chargesheet in the Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) case before the Special CBI Court in Chandigarh. Seven accused have been named in the chargesheet, including five bank officials, one CSCL official and one private individual. According to the CBI, the offences invoked in both chargesheets include criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The agency took over the Haryana case from the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, while the Chandigarh cases relating to Chandigarh Smart City Limited and CREST were transferred from the Economic Offences Police Station, Chandigarh.
Alleged Loss and Investigation
The CBI has alleged that the fraudulent transactions caused a loss of approximately ₹504 crore to the Haryana government and ₹153 crore to Chandigarh UT, taking the total alleged loss to ₹657 crore. Officials said the investigation is continuing and additional chargesheets are likely to be filed as the probe progresses. The agency reiterated its commitment to conducting a fair, comprehensive and time-bound investigation and bringing all those responsible to justice.
