CBI Nabs Five in Massive Rs 31.50 Crore Rail Land Development Authority Scam
In a significant breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended five individuals in connection with an alleged scandal involving a whopping sum of Rs. 31.50 crores, which has reportedly caused substantial losses to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). This high-stakes case encompasses both public servants and private individuals, intensifying the ongoing investigation.
The accused have been identified as follows:
- Vivek Kumar, former Manager at RLDA.
- Jaswant Rai, former Branch Head at Bank of Baroda, Vishwas Nagar Branch, Shahdara, Delhi.
- Gopal Thakur (private individual), residing in Delhi.
- Hitesh Karelia (private individual), hailing from Mumbai.
- Nilesh Bhatt (private individual), also based in Mumbai.
The CBI’s actions come in response to a complaint filed by RLDA, a statutory entity under the Ministry of Railways. The complaint alleged a significant financial loss, nearing the staggering amount of Rs. 31.50 crores.
As per CBI officials, RLDA initially invested approximately Rs. 35 crores in the form of a Fixed Deposit (FD) with the Bank of Baroda, Vishwas Nagar Branch, Shahdara, Delhi. Subsequently, the maturity proceeds were slated to be reinvested for a three-month period.
However, upon reaching the scheduled maturity date in June 2022, RLDA made a shocking discovery. When they attempted to withdraw the funds, it became apparent that the money had mysteriously disappeared from the Bank of Baroda. To their dismay, they learned that a substantial portion of the funds, specifically Rs. 31.50 crores, had been diverted to an unauthorized savings account within the same bank. This savings account had been fraudulently opened by bank officials, utilizing forged documents, and the money was clandestinely transferred to other accounts without legitimate authorization.
Faced with this audacious act of fraud, RLDA promptly turned to the CBI for assistance, lodging an official complaint on July 13, 2022. The investigation into this intricate financial transgression is now in full swing, with the CBI determined to unravel the web of deceit and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
