Pkl FD scam: Extradition move against builder

Manvir.Saini@timesofindia.com

Chandigarh: The Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) has initiated extradition proceedings against builder Sunny Garg, an alleged beneficiary in the Rs 150 crore fraud involving fixed deposits (FDs) of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation with Kotak Mahindra Bank, after he failed to join the investigation.

Sources said state and central agencies are at an advanced stage to secure Garg’s extradition at the earliest. He is believed to be in Dubai, a senior official of the bureau confirmed on Friday.

The move comes after Garg failed to respond to the bureau’s communication asking him to appear before investigators to substantiate his claims. “We replied to his mail and asked him to join the probe and validate his statements. As he has admitted to being a recipient of funds, his presence is essential for a detailed investigation. Since he failed to appear, the matter has been taken up with central agencies and authorities in the country where he is suspected to be staying,” said a senior officer.

The agency has also issued a lookout circular against Garg.

The case has drawn public criticism over alleged delays in action, which are believed to have enabled Garg to leave the country. Sources said he fled from India a few days before the FIR was registered, with Dubai being his last known location. Investigations have revealed that Garg allegedly received money from Swati Tomar and Rajat Dahra through Pushpender Singh, the main accused.

The fraud pertains to 16 fixed deposits maintained by the Panchkula Municipal Corporation at the Sector 11 branch of Kotak Mahindra Bank. These deposits were worth Rs 145.03 crore, with a maturity value of Rs 158.02 crore. Of these, 11 FDs amounting to Rs 59.58 crore matured on Feb 16.