Chandigarh Police Arrest CREST Project Director in Major Financial Fraud Case
In a significant development, Chandigarh Police have arrested Sukhwinder Abrol, the project director of the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), in connection with an alleged Rs 83-crore cheating case. The arrest marks a critical step in the investigation into a complex financial fraud that has rocked the organization.
Details of the FIR and Allegations
The case stems from an FIR registered on March 12, 2026, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was filed by the chief executive officer of CREST, who alleged cheating amounting to approximately Rs 83.04 crore by certain bank officials. This formal complaint set the stage for a thorough police probe into the financial irregularities.
Accused Individuals and Bank Involvement
According to police statements, the accused include Abhay Kumar, Seema Dhiman, and Ribhav Rishi, who are officials of IDFC First Bank. These individuals are suspected of being involved in the alleged financial fraud, highlighting the role of banking personnel in the scheme. The investigation has revealed a network of transactions that point to collusion between CREST insiders and external bank employees.
Fund Diversion to Shell Companies
During the investigation, it was uncovered that funds from CREST bank accounts were allegedly diverted to shell companies. These shell entities served as conduits for moving large sums of money, which were subsequently transferred to bank accounts linked to Sukhwinder Abrol, his relatives, and close associates. This pattern of fund movement suggests a deliberate attempt to obscure the money trail and conceal the origins of the diverted funds.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following his arrest, Sukhwinder Abrol was produced before a duty magistrate, who remanded him to five days of police custody. This custody period will allow investigators to interrogate Abrol further and gather additional evidence related to his alleged role in the fraud. The legal process is now underway, with authorities focusing on building a strong case against all involved parties.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
Police officials have stated that further investigation is ongoing to trace the complete money trail and ascertain the involvement of other CREST employees and individuals connected to the case. The probe aims to uncover the full extent of the fraud, identify all accomplices, and recover the diverted funds. This case underscores the importance of vigilance in financial transactions within government-linked organizations.
Note: The investigation continues, and updates are expected as more details emerge from the police inquiry into this high-profile financial crime.
