Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a senior Haryana cadre IAS officer in connection with a major fund misappropriation case linked to IDFC First Bank.
The agency arrested former Principal Secretary Pankaj Agarwal on Monday night after questioning him. He served in key departments, including School Education and Agriculture, during the period under investigation.
Allegations in the case
According to the CBI, officials allegedly diverted government funds from accounts maintained by Haryana state bodies at the Chandigarh branch of IDFC First Bank.
Investigators say the accused routed these funds in violation of financial rules. As a result, the state suffered an estimated loss of around ₹60 crore.
The agency also claims that multiple transactions passed through departmental and institutional accounts linked to the state government.
How the probe progressed
Meanwhile, the CBI continues to investigate a wider banking fraud involving Haryana government-linked accounts. The case includes several departments and financial institutions.
Earlier, investigators arrested multiple people and filed chargesheets in the matter. In addition, they suspect involvement of private individuals, bank employees, and government officials.
Next legal steps
The arrested officer will be produced before a CBI special court. The agency is expected to seek custody for further interrogation.
Furthermore, investigators aim to trace the full money trail and identify other beneficiaries involved in the case.
Background of the case
The IDFC First Bank-linked investigation has continued for several months. It is considered one of the largest financial irregularity cases involving Haryana government funds in recent years.
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