ACB arrests Joint Registrar of Haryana Coop Dept over corruption allegations

Naresh Kumar Goyal, joint registrar of the cooperation department in Haryana, was apprehended by the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from Panchkula on corruption charges. This arrest comes amidst an unfolding multi-crore scam recently discovered within the cooperation department. Goyal is among 14 individuals nabbed by the ACB, including 10 senior officials and four private individuals, all implicated in the fraudulent activities.

Embezzlement unveiled

The accused, Naresh Kumar Goyal, stands accused of misappropriating government funds amounting to crores of rupees along with his associates. Investigations reveal a scheme where officials from the cooperation department, including assistant registrars and district registrars, colluded with auditors to purchase personal properties using government funds. These illegal transactions were facilitated by forging government records, bank account details, and manipulating official documents.

ALSO READ: Authorities seize ₹35.2 lakh unaccounted cash from car with Haryana License plate

The ACB's inquiry exposed fraudulent activities to the tune of approximately ₹100 crore under the guise of the integrated cooperative development project initiated by the Haryana cooperation department. This project ostensibly aimed at rural and agricultural sector development and cooperative advancement, but instead served as a cover for financial malfeasance.

Arrests and accountability

Six gazetted officers, four ICDS Rewari officials, and four private individuals were among those arrested in connection with the scam. The implicated individuals include audit officers, deputy chief auditors, district registrars, assistant registrar cooperative societies, and other personnel associated with the integrated cooperative development project. Additionally, the ACB detained private individuals suspected of colluding with government officials in perpetrating the fraud.

ALSO READ: Ministry approves use of defence land for Ambala Airport extension towards IAF Station

In response to these developments, the ACB spokesperson urged the public to report any instances of bribery or corruption involving government officials. They provided toll-free hotline numbers for citizens to report such incidents, emphasizing the bureau's commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability within governmental institutions.