Panchkula: In a case of major financial irregularity, officials of a private bank have come under the scanner for their alleged role in the embezzlement of MC funds running into crores. The development comes close on the heels of the Rs 590 crore fraud case involving another bank.Sources said the MC had deposited money amounting to crores with the bank over a period of time in the form of fixed deposits (FDs). However, it is now alleged that certain officials, in collusion with internal employees, siphoned off the money by diverting it into fake accounts created using forged documents. The corporation was reportedly handed fabricated statements and records to show that the deposits were safe, even though the funds had been misappropriated.The fraud came to light when the corporation sought transfer of maturity proceeds of an FD. While the bank statement indicated that the amount had been credited, the money did not appear in the corporation’s actual account. Subsequent verification revealed that the statement itself was fake and the funds were missing. Further checks exposed that several other FDs issued in the corporation’s name were also fraudulent and not backed by real deposits.Initial findings suggest that forged signatures and stamps were used in RTGS transactions to execute and conceal the embezzlement over an extended duration. Following these revelations, the MC has initiated the process of registering an FIR against the bank and has written to the state govt seeking its de-empanelment. Taking serious note of the situation, the govt indicated that strict action would follow. The case is said to have been referred to the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau for detailed investigation.Meanwhile, MC commissioner Vinay Kumar did not respond to calls or messages seeking his comment.MSID:: 129780275 413 |
