Rs 590cr bank scam: CBI grills 2 senior bureaucrats, seizes mobiles, computers

Chandigarh: The CBI has intensified its probe into the alleged Rs 590-crore bank fraud involving govt departments in Haryana, questioning two senior bureaucrats regarding their roles in sanctioning and transferring large sums from various banks to IDFC First Bank.Sources said the move comes within days of the Haryana govt granting formal sanction to investigate certain officials whose names surfaced during the inquiry. CBI teams under the supervision of an SP-rank officer reportedly interrogated the officers for several hours. They used both verbal questioning and written queries, focusing on the role of the officers in the transactions and related official records. During the proceedings, the agency seized personal electronic devices — including mobile phones, iPads, and computers—for cyber-forensic examination. Officials familiar with the investigation said the CBI plans to summon six additional officers, including three for whom prosecution sanctions have already been granted. The officers questioned are understood to have served in departments such as Haryana power utilities, development and panchayats department, and Haryana State Pollution Control Board. Investigators suspect a major portion of the alleged Rs 590-crore fraud involved the diversion of funds from the accounts of the development and panchayats department. Sources further said the officers were confronted with statements allegedly made by key accused, including Rishav Rishi, Abhay, builder Vikram Wadhwa, and Rajan Katodia, owner of Sawan Jewellers in Chandigarh. The agency has also sought details of assets declared by the officers to department of personnel and training (DoPT) and the Haryana govt, alongside information regarding family members, income sources, and expenditure patterns. On Feb 23, Haryana's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau registered an FIR in Panchkula following a communication from the chief secretary. The bureau had arrested 16 individuals, including former bankers, private citizens, and govt officials. In April, the CBI took over the investigation. Last week, the Haryana govt approved the questioning and prosecution of five IAS officers whose names allegedly surfaced during the probe, while sanctions against additional officials remain pending. MSID:: 131154330 413 |