Haryana Government Dismisses HSAMB Controller in Major Fraud Case

Haryana Government Takes Action Amid Major Fraud Investigation

In a significant move, the Haryana government has dismissed Rajesh Sangwan, the Finance and Accounts controller of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), due to his alleged involvement in a staggering Rs 10 crore fraud associated with the massive Rs 590 crore IDFC First Bank scam. This dismissal occurred on April 30 under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, which allows for such action in cases of serious misconduct.

The dismissal order details an intricate financial conspiracy characterized by the manipulation of official processes, fraudulent banking operations, and fictitious transactions aimed at siphoning off government funds into shell companies. Such actions not only compromise state resources but also tarnish the integrity of public institutions.

Key Developments in the Fraud Investigation

Rajesh Sangwan was taken into custody on March 14 by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB), which had registered a First Information Report (FIR) on February 23. Due to the gravity of the situation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) joined the investigation on April 8, indicating the national implications of the fraud.

Sangwan’s role was crucial, as he was responsible for overseeing financial transactions and managing HSAMB's bank accounts. The troubling series of events began with a proposal to open an account with IDFC First Bank, initiated on July 2, 2025, by Shamim Dar, the Area Head of the Government Banking Group in Chandigarh. The account was opened on July 10, 2025, with Ribhav Rishi serving as the branch manager, who is now regarded as the mastermind behind the scam.

Details of the Fraudulent Transactions

One of the most alarming transactions occurred on January 14, 2026, involving the withdrawal of Rs 10 crore through cheque number 000006. This amount was split into two RTGS transfers: Rs 9.75 crore to SRR Planning Gurus Pvt Ltd and Rs 25 lakh to Mannat Contractors. As one of the authorized signatories on the account, Sangwan had direct responsibility for these transactions, which raises serious questions about oversight and accountability.

Further investigations revealed that Seema Dhiman, an employee of IDFC First Bank and co-accused, allegedly confirmed the fraudulent transaction to Sangwan. Despite this, he reportedly failed to act upon the information or investigate discrepancies that arose during a reconciliation of bank statements on February 6, 2026.

Evidence of Collusion and Procedural Lapses

The dismissal order highlights multiple procedural failures on Sangwan's part. Notably, he did not secure a cancelled cheque (Cheque No 6), which was later misused for the fraudulent withdrawal. He also admitted to not verifying the status of this cheque after its cancellation.

Moreover, the investigation uncovered significant evidence of collusion. Statements from co-accused individuals, including Ribhav Rishi and Abhay Kumar, suggest that Sangwan received substantial illegal payments. Analysis of call records indicated that he maintained regular contact with key figures involved in the fraud during the critical periods.

Government's Justification for Immediate Dismissal

Given the organized nature of the conspiracy, the involvement of multiple external actors, and the potential for witness tampering, the Haryana government determined that a traditional departmental inquiry was impractical. As a result, Sangwan was dismissed without further proceedings under Article 311(2)(b).

This decisive action aligns with a broader crackdown on corruption linked to the IDFC fraud case. Earlier, on April 23, Naresh Kumar, a superintendent in the Development and Panchayats Department, was also dismissed for allegedly accepting Rs 6.55 crore and a Toyota Fortuner from individuals associated with the scam.

Why This Matters

The fallout from this fraud case is far-reaching, affecting not just the individuals involved but also public trust in financial governance and accountability within government institutions. As investigations continue, the implications for those involved and the broader administrative framework remain significant. Such high-profile dismissals signal a commitment to eradicating corruption and restoring faith in public service.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

As the investigation continues, several key factors will be crucial to monitor: - Further developments in the CBI's investigation may uncover more individuals involved in the scam. - Potential repercussions for other officials within HSAMB and related departments who may have had knowledge of the fraudulent activities. - The impact of these events on public confidence in government operations and financial management.

The Haryana government's actions thus far suggest a determined effort to address corruption head-on, setting a precedent for accountability in public service. As this story unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely for further updates and outcomes of the ongoing investigations.