IDFC First Bank scam case, Haryana Vigilance arrests mastermind Ribhav Rishi and others
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): In the widely discussed IDFC First Bank scam case in Haryana, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out a major operation late Tuesday night and arrested the alleged mastermind Ribhav Rishi along with four others. Following late-night raids, the ACB team took all accused into custody. The agency has not yet clarified how many of those arrested are bank employees and how many are external individuals.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that Ribhav Rishi previously worked as a manager at IDFC First Bank and was currently posted as a manager at AU Small Finance Bank in Zirakpur near Chandigarh. He is accused of creating fake companies and conspiring to siphon off government funds. Along with his associates, he allegedly withdrew around ₹590 crore from accounts of various Haryana government departments. The other arrested accused have been identified as Abhishek Singla, Abhay, Swati and one more individual.
Amid political debate over the issue, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini informed the Assembly on Tuesday that the entire amount, along with interest, has been recovered from the bank. However, according to ACB sources, the possible involvement of some officials is also under suspicion.
During the investigation, questions have been raised about why certain IAS officers showed particular interest in opening government department accounts in Chandigarh-based banks despite the state government headquarters being located in Panchkula. Authorities are examining whether any direct or indirect benefit was involved.
It has also come to light that the government had received information about irregularities as early as July last year. The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Finance Department had issued a letter to all departments advising caution. Despite this, accounts of 18 government departments were opened in banks located in Chandigarh.
The state government has now ordered a high-level inquiry into the empanelment process of IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank. The investigation is ongoing, and further disclosures are expected in the coming days.