Two IAS officers have been arrested and one is on the run in connection with a Rs 657-crore bank fraud case that has shaken the Haryana bureaucracy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the scam, which involves the embezzlement of funds from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) account at IDFC First Bank. Five other officers are under the radar as the investigation widens.
Key Accused and Arrests
IAS officer Pardeep Kumar is accused of embezzling Rs 169 crore from the HSPCB account. He is currently on the run, while two other IAS officers have been arrested. The CBI has also identified five more individuals who are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the fraud. The arrests were made after a detailed probe into the financial irregularities that came to light earlier this year.
Details of the Fraud
The fraud was perpetrated through the misuse of the HSPCB's account at IDFC First Bank. According to CBI sources, the accused officers allegedly colluded with bank officials to siphon off funds over several years. The total amount involved is Rs 657 crore, with Pardeep Kumar's alleged share being Rs 169 crore. The CBI has recovered some documents and digital evidence pointing to a well-organized conspiracy.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The CBI has registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The arrested officers have been produced before a special court, which has sent them to judicial custody. The agency is also seeking the arrest of Pardeep Kumar, who is believed to have fled the country. Interpol has been alerted, and a lookout notice has been issued. The CBI is also examining the role of private individuals and companies that may have benefited from the fraud.
Impact on Haryana Bureaucracy
The scam has sent shockwaves through the Haryana government, with opposition parties demanding a thorough inquiry. The state government has assured full cooperation with the CBI. The HSPCB has been asked to review its financial procedures to prevent such incidents in the future. The case highlights the need for stricter oversight of public funds and the importance of transparency in government accounts.
