CBI conducts raids in Haryana in Rs 590 cr bank fraud case

Chandigarh: Intensifying its probe into the alleged Rs 590 crore bank fraud involving accounts of Haryana govt departments, CBI on Friday raided multiple locations linked to the accused and suspected beneficiaries, including govt officials and public servants.According to sources, the search operations began early in the morning and were led by officers of DSP 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.The latest action is believed to have followed the grant of permission to investigate, and if necessary prosecute, five IAS officers whose names have allegedly surfaced in connection with ‘lapses' in the handling of govt funds.Sources said some of the accused in CBI custody were confronted with suspected beneficiaries during the 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.On Feb 23, Haryana's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau registered an FIR on the directions of the chief secretary after irregularities in govt accounts came to light. During the initial phase of the probe, the state agency arrested 16 persons, including bankers, govt officials and private individuals. Among them were a builder and a jeweller allegedly linked to the fraudulent transactions.In April, CBI took over the investigation and initiated its own inquiry into the suspected embezzlement and misuse of funds belonging to Haryana govt 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.MSID:: 131121326 413 |