Smart City-Crest scam: Rs 50 cr routed to city jewellers

Times News NetworkChandigarh: Giving a round-up of investigation into the Rs 191 crore Smart City project and Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (Crest) scam, an EOW officer said the accused transferred around Rs 50 crore into accounts of four to five jewellers in the city. The special investigation team (SIT) is examining whether the jewellers provided cash or gold in exchange for the money. Neither has been seized so far.On March 14, Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested Rajan Katodiya, owner of Sawan Jewellers, in the case. Investigations revealed that his firm allegedly received more than Rs 250 crore through shell companies linked to the main accused — Ribhav Rishi, Abhay Kumar and others.It is alleged that Katodiya diverted the money by showing fictitious gold sales through his firm, for which he charged a hefty commission. According to investigating agencies, approximately Rs 200 crore diverted from government accounts was used to purchase gold.Besides, the former chief general manager of the Smart City project, N P Sharma, has not been given a clean chit in the case. SIT officers said he was questioned for more than 50 hours. Although no concrete evidence has been found against him so far, his role remains under suspicion. The investigation into his role covers his contacts, call details, bank accounts and financial transactions.Police said govt funds were systematically transferred to shell companies and various bank accounts. The money was then layered through multiple levels and either converted into cash or parked in safe investments such as gold.Police have arrested 10 persons in the case, including administrative officers, bank employees, businessmen and individuals associated with shell companies.Those arrested include Nalini Malik, former chief finance officer; Sukhwinder Singh Abrol, former project director, Crest; Sahil Kukkar, head of accounts, Crest; Ribhav Rishi, former IDFC Bank manager; Abhay Kumar, relationship manager; Seema Dhiman, bank authoriser; Vikram Wadhwa, realtor; Swati Singla; Abhishek Singla; and Ankur Sharma, shell company operators. Investigations into the roles of several other suspects are ongoing.The SIT will bring the accused arrested in Panchkula on production warrants for questioning. Officers said decisions on further arrests would be taken after questioning the main accused. A chargesheet is likely to be filed in court soon.MSID:: 130514914 413 |
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