Panchkula (Haryana) [India], March 10 (HBTV): The Haryana Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested four individuals, including a bank branch head, in connection with a major financial fraud involving IDFC First Bank accounts linked to the state government.
Director General of Police, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Dr Arshinder Singh Chawla said the main accused, Ribhav Rishi and Abhay, have been taken into custody. Rishi’s wife Swati and her brother have also been arrested in connection with the case.
'The two main accused, Ribhav Rishi and Abhay, have been rounded up. Ribhav’s wife, Swati, and her brother have also been arrested. Ribhav, a resident of Panchkula, worked as the head of the Sector 32 branch of IDFC First Bank. The bank has returned the money belonging to the state government. The figures involved are massive,' Chawla told the media.
Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini confirmed that INR 578 crore lost in the fraud at IDFC First Bank, including funds belonging to state departments and boards, was recovered within 24 hours. According to him, INR 556 crore was deposited by the bank and an additional INR 22 crore was returned as interest.
Speaking in the Assembly, Saini said, 'I want to clarify before this House that the entire amount lost in yesterday’s incident, including the funds of some Haryana government departments, boards and corporations, has been deposited back into our accounts within just 24 hours. Approximately INR 556 crore was deposited by the bank, of which we also received interest of approximately INR 22 crore. The interest has also been returned. We have deposited that amount and recovered all of that money within just 24 hours.'
He added that several bank employees were involved in the fraud.
'Four or five middle and lower-level employees of a bank branch in Chandigarh colluded to carry out this operation,' he said.
The chief minister further stated that strict action will be taken against any government official or employee found to be involved in the matter.
'Strict action will be taken against any government official or employee involved in it. We will form a high-level committee that will not only hold the officers and employees involved in this matter accountable but will also make suggestions to prevent future situations like the one that has arisen today,' Saini added.
(ANI)