Panchkula (Haryana) [India], July 3 (ANI): A special CBI court in Panchkula on Friday granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) three-day custody of then Haryana Election Commission Chief Accounts Officer Parveen Kumar in connection with the alleged Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB)-IDFC First Bank financial irregularities case.
The CBI had sought four days of custodial interrogation, but the court allowed three days of remand.
According to the CBI’s remand application, Kumar allegedly played a key role in the conspiracy involving the investment of government funds in violation of prescribed rules, the opening of a bank account without due authorisation, and the diversion of funds to shell companies.
The agency informed the court that Kumar served as Senior Accounts Officer and authorised signatory at the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). During his tenure, an account was opened at IDFC First Bank’s Sector-32 branch, from which the agency alleged a loss of Rs 169 crore to the government exchequer.
Of this amount, around Rs 110 crore was allegedly fraudulently withdrawn during Kumar’s tenure.
The CBI further claimed that the HSPCB account with IDFC First Bank was opened without the approval of the competent authority and that the Account Opening Form (AOF) bore Kumar’s signatures. It also alleged that no departmental approval or official record authorising the account has been found during the investigation.
The agency claimed that despite being aware of the Haryana Finance Department’s investment guidelines, the accused failed to comply with them. It further claimed that government funds were transferred to several shell companies through forged cheques.
According to the CBI, the investigation has so far identified entities including CAPCO Fintech, Swastik Desh Projects, AS Bullion Traders, Disha Traders, Bharat Solar, Mannat Contractors and SRR Planning Gurus as recipients of the diverted funds.
The CBI said Kumar was arrested at its Chandigarh office on July 2.
The agency told the court that custodial interrogation was necessary to confront the accused with documentary and digital evidence, establish the complete trail of bank transactions, identify the ultimate beneficiaries of the diverted government funds, trace alleged illicit financial gains and assets, and ascertain the role of other public officials and private individuals.
The CBI also submitted that Kumar was not cooperating during questioning and was not providing satisfactory answers. It further expressed apprehension that, if not kept in police custody, the accused could influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. (ANI)
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