The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensified its probe into the alleged Rs 590 crore bank fraud involving accounts of Haryana government departments by conducting raids at multiple locations linked to accused individuals and suspected beneficiaries, including government officials and public servants, on Friday.
Search Operations and Recoveries
According to sources, the search operations commenced early in the morning and were led by officers of Deputy Superintendent of Police rank. By late evening, the agency was consolidating details of recoveries made during the raids and questioning individuals whose premises were searched as part of the investigation.
Permission to Investigate IAS Officers
The latest action is believed to have followed the grant of permission to investigate, and if necessary prosecute, five Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers whose names have allegedly surfaced in connection with lapses in the handling of government funds. Sources indicated that some of the accused in CBI custody were confronted with suspected beneficiaries during interrogation.
Officials of the agency refused to reveal the identities of those targeted in the search and seizure operations. However, they maintained that all procedures and legal formalities were carried out.
Background of the Case
On February 23, Haryana's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a First Information Report (FIR) on the directions of the chief secretary after irregularities in government accounts came to light. During the initial phase of the probe, the state agency arrested 16 persons, including bankers, government officials, and private individuals. Among them were a builder and a jeweller allegedly linked to the fraudulent transactions.
In April, the CBI took over the investigation and initiated its own inquiry into the suspected embezzlement and misuse of funds belonging to Haryana government departments. As part of its probe, the federal agency also took into custody Amit Dewan, the dismissed finance director of Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL), on Thursday for questioning regarding his alleged role in the scam.
