CM announces setting up of STF under ACB to investigate irregularities in cooperative societies in all the districts

New Delhi, February 28, 2024 – During the budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha held today, the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal announced that a Special Task Force under the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) would be formed to investigate irregularities in cooperative societies established in all districts. The Task Force will investigate irregularities in Cooperative Societies starting from 1992 to till date. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty in the investigation, he assured the house.

Sh. Manohar Lal stated that so far, Rs. 328 crore has been allocated to these societies, out of which Rs. 259 crore has been utilized, and the remaining amount is lying in banks.

He said that the present state government had conducted audits of these societies, and upon discovering discrepancies, the government has taken suo motto and the matter was handed over to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for investigation. ACB has filed 9 FIRs in this case, and irregularities amounting to Rs. 8.80 crore have been found in the investigation of societies in 4 districts. Action has been taken against the involved officials.

Divulging further details, the Chief Minister informed that properties of various officers and employees have also been attached for the recovery of funds.

Sharing details, he said that house and flat located in Mohali, 29 kanals 5 marlas of land, and bank account of Anu Kaushish one of the accused has been attached, furthermore, the properties and bank accounts of other accused namely Ram Kumar, Yogendra Agrawal, Sumit Agrawal and Nitin Sharma has also been attached. The list includes, a residential plot belonging to Ramkumar in Kurukshetra, a flat belonging to Yogendra Agrawal in Mohali and a flat located in Zirakpur belonging to Nitin Sharma. The bank account of Sumit Agrawal’s wife has also been attached.

He said that officers who have been suspended in such cases recently will also be dismissed if found guilty in the investigation.