Haryana ACB Intensifies Probe Into Massive Rs 145 Crore Municipal Corporation Fraud
In a significant development in the high-profile financial fraud case, the Haryana Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has detained two additional suspects connected to the alleged Rs 145 crore scam involving the Panchkula Municipal Corporation's fixed deposits with Kotak Mahindra Bank. This expansion of the investigation marks a crucial phase in unraveling what authorities suspect is a sophisticated conspiracy.
New Arrests and Confessions Emerge
Investigators revealed that substantial sums, amounting to crores of rupees, were transferred into the account of one of the newly detained individuals. Another person is currently undergoing intensive questioning due to suspected links with the primary accused in this complex case.
Later in the evening, one of the suspects, identified as Rajat Dahra, was formally arrested. According to investigating officials, Dahra confessed during interrogation that he received more than Rs 60 crores from two separate accounts between 2020 and 2025. He allegedly proceeded to transfer these massive funds to numerous other accounts, all of which are now under meticulous scrutiny by the ACB team.
Court Proceedings and Legal Arguments
The first suspect arrested in this case, relationship manager Dilip Kumar Raghav, was produced before the court on Thursday. The court remanded him to ACB custody for four days, despite the defense counsel's objections. Defense lawyer Gursimar Singh argued that the arrest was illegal, claiming the accused was presented in court a full 24 hours after his detention.
The ACB had initially sought seven days' custody for Raghav, asserting to the court that his arrest followed proper legal procedures and was based on substantial evidence. Police officials confirmed they have seized certified bank account statements and crucial documents from both Kotak Mahindra Bank and the municipal corporation as part of their evidence collection.
Expanding Investigation and Key Focus Areas
Investigators emphasized that Raghav requires continued custodial interrogation as they suspect he is withholding vital information. The ACB plans to question him extensively about transactions across multiple accounts, the potential involvement of other officials, and possible collusion with bank employees and private individuals.
The ACB counsel outlined that their investigation will concentrate on suspected forgery of documents, including letters, vouchers, and counterfeit seals. Police suspect a much larger conspiracy is at play and aim to identify the specific locations where the fraudulent scheme was executed. Additionally, they seek to recover incriminating material allegedly stored at the accused's native place in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh.
Legal Framework and Ongoing Developments
The case has been officially registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As the investigation progresses, authorities are examining the intricate web of financial transactions and document forgeries that enabled this alleged Rs 145 crore fraud against the Panchkula Municipal Corporation.
This developing story continues to unfold as the Haryana ACB pursues all leads in what appears to be one of the most substantial municipal corruption cases in recent state history, with implications for banking protocols and municipal governance oversight.
