Chandigarh, Feb 24: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini informed the State Assembly on Tuesday that the government has successfully recovered nearly Rs 556 crore following the disclosure of a major fraud involving IDFC First Bank. The recovery, which occurred within a 24-hour window, includes approximately Rs 22 crore in accumulated interest.
The case came to light on Sunday when the bank revealed a Rs 590-crore fraud affecting accounts held by the Haryana government. According to the bank’s findings, the incident was centered at a specific branch in Chandigarh and involved collusion between four to five middle and lower-level employees and external parties.
Speaking in the House, the Chief Minister affirmed that all funds belonging to state departments have been returned. “I want to clarify before the House that the money concerning Haryana government departments, the entire amount has been deposited back into our accounts,” Saini stated, adding that the swift recovery reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting public assets.
The Chief Minister maintained that a thorough investigation is underway, led by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau. He further noted that a high-level committee, headed by the Finance Secretary, has been established to oversee the probe. Saini declared that the government will ensure anyone involved—whether bank staff, private individuals, or government employees—is held accountable.
During his address, the Chief Minister asserted that the current administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption. He noted that unlike previous regimes where such matters might remain unresolved, his government acted decisively once the bank’s Managing Director, V Vaidyanathan, confirmed the internal collusion.
