CBI Interrogates IAS Officer RK Singh in Rs 657 Crore Bank Scam
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has questioned IAS officer Ram Kumar Singh about the parking of ill-gotten money received from accused individuals in the Rs 657 crore bank scam. Singh was arrested on June 18, and the CBI secured his three-day police custody on June 19. On Monday, he was produced before a Panchkula court, which sent him to judicial custody on the CBI's request.
Details of the Fraud
The scam involved officials of IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank colluding with government officials, including IAS officers, to siphon funds from bank accounts of eight Haryana government departments and two Chandigarh Administration departments. The CBI estimates the loss at Rs 657 crore, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED), also investigating, claims a loss of Rs 645 crore.
Singh's Role in the Scam
The investigation revealed Singh's involvement while he served as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Panchkula, and Commissioner of the Municipal Council, Kalka. He is allegedly involved in siphoning over Rs 79 crore from the Municipal Corporation, Panchkula's account at IDFC First Bank. According to the CBI, Singh approved opening a new bank account with IDFC First Bank and transferring over Rs 100 crore from the MC Panchkula account, violating Finance Department guidelines. He issued cheques to co-accused knowing they would be misappropriated and admitted his signatures were genuine.
Custody Interrogation and Evidence
During custody, Singh was questioned about the new bank account opening, call for quotations for fixed deposits, SMS alerts on his registered mobile, and steps taken after learning of fraudulent transactions. He was confronted with bank account statements and digital evidence indicating money delivery through carriers. He was also asked about communication with co-accused that he deleted from his mobile device, and why money was transferred to shell companies and back to government accounts without reason. The CBI conducted searches at his residence and is scrutinizing documents.
Court Proceedings and Judicial Custody
The CBI told the Panchkula court that proceeds of crime, including properties and gold purchased with siphoned funds, need identification and recovery. Citing destroyed digital evidence, the CBI argued Singh could influence other suspects to destroy evidence. The court sent Singh and another accused, Prince Sharma, to judicial custody. Singh was allowed to meet his wife and advocates and to self-administer insulin injections daily.
Property Details
As per immovable property details filed with the Centre as of January 1, 2026, Singh owns properties worth Rs 3.23 crore. His wife runs businesses including a petrol pump, microbrewery, restaurant, rental projects, agricultural lands, and property dealings.
