Amid alleged Rs 600 crore fraud linked to government accounts in IDFC First Bank's Chandigarh branch, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has assured that "every paisa will be returned".
Responding to opposition in the assembly on Monday, the CM claimed that the state government was proactive in identifying discrepancies in certain accounts.
"We are investigating the matter very seriously. The ACB is investigating it. Our government works in a transparent manner. It is not an issue which we will take lightly," the CM said.
The fraud came to light after one of the government departments sought to close its account and transfer funds to another bank. There was discrepancies in the amount mentioned and the account balance, prompting action.
The bank revealed in a regulatory filing that unauthorised adn fraudulent activities were found in accounts linked to Haryana government entities. "In the process, certain discrepancies were observed in the amount mentioned vis-a-vis the balance in the account," read a statement in the lender's filing.
Soon, more irregularities were found in other government accounts at the Chandigarh branch. The fraud is currently estimated at Rs 590 crore while a final figure is awaited, according to the bank.
Who is behind the Rs 600 crore fraud at IDFC First Bank?
In its filing to SEBI, IDFC First Bank revealed that certain employees were at fault. Four officials suspected of involvement have been suspended with this regard, according to the bank.
"Prima facie, unauthorised and fraudulent activities have been carried out by certain employees at a particular branch in Chandigarh in a specific set of Haryana state government accounts and potentially involving other individuals/entities/counterparties," the filing said.
Responding to Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda's question on action taken by the Haryana government, CM Saini said, "Be it a bank employee or any government employee, anyone who is found involved will not be spared."
