Haryana ACB Intensifies Crackdown with Two More Arrests in Major Bank Fraud
The Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has escalated its investigation into a massive financial scandal by arresting two additional suspects, Priyanka and Anuj Kaushal, in connection with a Rs 590 crore fraud case involving IDFC First Bank. This development underscores the bureau's relentless pursuit of justice in one of the state's most significant corruption probes.
Expanding Web of Arrests and Legal Proceedings
The arrests were executed on Monday night, marking a critical milestone as the total number of individuals detained in this intricate scam now reaches 10. Both Priyanka and Anuj Kaushal were promptly presented before a local court on Tuesday, where the ACB successfully secured a one-day police remand to facilitate further interrogation and gather additional evidence.
In a parallel legal move on the same day, the ACB also brought two previously arrested accused, Arun Sharma and Seema Dhiman, before the court following the completion of their three-day police remand. The court subsequently ordered their transfer to judicial custody, highlighting the ongoing judicial scrutiny in this high-profile case.
Background of the Fraud and Previous Detentions
This case has seen a series of arrests prior to the latest developments. Key individuals taken into custody include former IDFC First Bank officials Ribhav Rishi and Abhay Kumar, along with Swati Singla and Abhishek Singla, who are partners in Swastik Desh Project. This firm is alleged to have been used as a conduit for routing diverted government funds. Additionally, Naresh Kumar Bhuwani, a superintendent in the office of the director, development and panchayat in Haryana, and Manish Jindal from Mohali were also apprehended, broadening the scope of the investigation.
Investigation Findings and Committee Actions
According to official reports, the Haryana government initiated a rigorous response to the fraud by forming a three-member committee on February 11. This committee directed the ACB to register a First Information Report (FIR) on February 23 after completing a thorough inquiry. The investigation revealed alarming discrepancies, including the processing of multiple cheques and debit notes using forged signatures of former director-general D K Behera, who had vacated his position in October 2025.
In one particularly egregious instance, the bank cleared a cheque where the amount written in figures—Rs 2.50 crore—did not match the amount mentioned in words, pointing to severe lapses in internal controls and verification processes.
Financial Transfers and Suspected Conspiracy
Investigators uncovered that approximately Rs 46.56 crore was transferred from an IDFC First Bank account to an AU Small Finance Bank account. However, the ACB noted that relevant supporting documents from AU Bank were not fully provided despite repeated requests, complicating the tracing of funds and suggesting possible obstruction or negligence.
Preliminary findings indicate that funds were systematically siphoned from various government departments, including the Haryana State Pollution Control Board and the municipal corporation of Panchkula. These illicit amounts were allegedly channeled through Swastik Desh Project to several entities and spouses of the accused, revealing a complex network designed to conceal the embezzlement.
Legal Charges and Future Prospects
The suspects have been formally booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Officials maintain that more unidentified bank employees and government staff are suspected to be part of this extensive conspiracy, signaling that further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. The ACB's proactive measures reflect a commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability in public and financial institutions.
