The Haryana State Agriculture and Marketing Board (HSAMB) has terminated Rajesh Sangwan, the controller of finance and accounts (CFA), for his alleged involvement in a Rs 593 crore bank fraud related to Haryana government accounts.
Departmental Committee Findings
A departmental committee, in a five-page dismissal order, detailed how Sangwan violated government guidelines and rules by opening an HSAMB account in a private bank branch after being persuaded by the prime accused, Rishav Rishi. The committee also provided evidence of the transfer of Rs 10 crore, in two parts, into the accounts of a private builder and a private individual, authorized by Sangwan's signature.
Collusion with Accused
The report elaborated on Sangwan's continuous communication with all accused involved in the case. The dismissal order stated that Sangwan is barred from applying for any government job in Haryana or elsewhere. The tainted official was arrested by the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and is currently in jail. He was earlier suspended by the board following directions from the parent department.
Evidence and Previous Actions
According to documents accessed by the Times of India, the departmental probe, supported by documents and details from the investigating agency, established Sangwan's involvement and connivance with Rishav Rishi. Last week, the Haryana government sacked Naresh Bhuwani, superintendent of the development and panchayats department, and Randhir Singh, chief accounts officer of Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojana Parishad, for their alleged involvement in the fraud.
Ongoing Investigations
The government has also initiated proceedings against Vikas Kaushik, senior accounts officer and former executive of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation, who is currently in judicial custody. He faces action for his alleged involvement in the Rs 160 crore fixed deposit scam involving Panchkula Municipal Corporation funds.
