Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said an FIR has been registered in the Rs 590 crore fraud case involving IDFC First Bank. He said a detailed investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
Speaking to mediapersons, Saini said the government has taken the issue seriously. He assured that public money is safe and will not be lost. “An FIR has been filed. I stated in full detail in the House that there were irregularities in transactions with IDFC First Bank. Departments keep their money in separate banks, and this practice isn't new. It existed during Congress's tenure as well,” Saini said.
“Every penny will come; it won't go anywhere. We've ensured that. The Anti-Corruption Bureau is investigating. A high-level committee will be formed. This high-level committee will determine whose fault it is. Whoever has made a mistake will face the strictest action; there is no question of sparing anyone. We have decided to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter,” he added.
Earlier in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the case has been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Vigilance Department.
“The matter has been transferred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance. The investigation is ongoing. The money is safe and will be recovered. Strict action will be taken against those responsible, including the bank if it is found at fault,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Haryana Finance Department (Institutional Finance & Credit Control) has removed IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank from its list of empanelled banks for government transactions with immediate effect.
The department has directed all government departments, boards, corporations and public sector undertakings to immediately shift their funds to other authorised banks and close their accounts in these banks until further notice.
IDFC First Bank has suspended four employees after detecting fraudulent transactions of around Rs 590 crore in certain Haryana government accounts at its Chandigarh branch, the bank said in a stock exchange filing.
The bank said it has started an internal investigation and will try to recover the money through legal and disciplinary steps. It clarified that, as per its preliminary review, the issue is limited to a specific group of Haryana government-linked accounts at the Chandigarh branch and does not affect other customers of the branch.
Also read: IDFC First Bank flags ₹ 590-cr fraud at Chandigarh branch
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