Chandigarh, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Haryana Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed an FIR concerning a staggering Rs 590-crore fraud linked to Haryana government accounts at the Chandigarh branches of IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank, as disclosed by a government official on Tuesday.

The FIR targets bank officials, public servants, and other parties under Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 316 (5), 318 (4), 336 (3), 338, 340 (2), and 61 (2).

On the previous day, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini informed the House that the fraud became apparent due to the vigilance of state government departments, prompting immediate action to de-empanel the bank.

The bank's statements were inconsistent with the records maintained by the relevant departments, leading to the establishment of a high-level committee for an in-depth investigation, as stated by the Chief Minister.

During the Budget Session of the Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister noted that IDFC First Bank had communicated with SEBI, admitting to the irregularities caused by specific employees and had initiated measures against those involved.

He revealed that the bank sent this correspondence on February 21. However, the government had already taken action by removing the bank from its panel on February 18 and mandated the transfer of the total amount, including interest, to a nationalized bank.

“The funds are entirely secure. Every single rupee will be retrieved,” asserted the Chief Minister, indicating that the investigation would clarify whether a bank employee was solely responsible or if other individuals were involved.

The Chief Minister emphasized the government's proactive stance in uncovering the issue, as it closely monitors all matters with great seriousness.

He further mentioned that a considerable amount of the Haryana government's funds deposited with IDFC First Bank was placed in fixed deposits (FDs). This practice of maintaining funds in banks is longstanding and has continued through various administrations, including the previous Congress government.

The Chief Minister assured that the situation would undergo thorough investigation, ensuring that those found culpable would face consequences.

In the Assembly, Opposition Leader Bhupinder Hooda characterized the alleged scam as a grave issue, lamenting the BJP government's inaction thus far.

“The government is merely stalling, when it should have acted decisively regarding the bank. This extensive scam involved the manipulation of accounts across 18 government departments. Rather than taking appropriate measures, the government's demeanor, even in the Assembly, is negative, willing to propagate falsehoods while disregarding the opposition's truth,” he asserted.