Chandigarh:- The investigation into the alleged misuse of government funds from the bank accounts of Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) and Chandigarh Municipal Corporation is deepening. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted simultaneous searches at five places in Chandigarh and Ludhiana, collecting crucial digital and financial evidence related to the case. The agency is focusing on those suspected of benefiting directly or indirectly from the alleged embezzlement of government funds. Forensic examination of digital records, electronic devices, financial documents and property papers seized during the investigation has been initiated to trace the entire chain of flow of funds and beneficiaries.
Focus on suspected beneficiaries and private companies
According to the CBI, the searches were focused on premises from which important clues were likely to be found in the investigation. These include the premises of Anubhav Mishra, a government employee of Chandigarh Smart City Limited, offices of private companies linked to the case, and the houses and business establishments of persons suspected of benefiting from misuse of government funds. During the searches, hard disks, pen drives, digital signatures, laptops, mobile phones, financial records, banking documents, property documents and other electronic evidence were seized. The agency is now conducting technical and financial investigations.
Investigation into alleged fund diversion of ?657 crore
The case pertains to a major financial scam in which around ?657 crore belonging to eight Haryana government departments and two Chandigarh administration departments were allegedly withdrawn from government accounts through fake fixed deposits and fraudulent debit transactions. According to the investigating agencies, the money was later transferred to different accounts through various shell companies in an attempt to hide the source of the funds. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the CBI took over the investigation from the state's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau at the request of the Haryana government.