The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered critical digital evidence in the ongoing probe into the alleged ₹657 crore Haryana bank fraud, revealing that SMS alerts linked to dozens of suspicious transactions were allegedly diverted to mobile numbers controlled by individuals connected to the accused.

The findings were presented before a court in Panchkula, where two former bank officials were remanded to CBI custody as investigators expand their probe into what appears to be a deeply coordinated banking and financial manipulation network.

Fraud Alerts Routed to Unauthorized Numbers

According to the CBI, 47 suspicious debit transactions worth approximately ₹187.26 crore triggered SMS alerts that were not delivered to authorized government officials. Instead, the alerts allegedly reached mobile numbers linked to co-accused individuals.

Investigators believe this diversion played a crucial role in concealing unauthorized withdrawals from multiple government department accounts.

Bank Officials Under Scrutiny

The court has sent former IDFC First Bank Area Head Shamim Dar and former AU Small Finance Bank Branch Manager Charanjeet Singh Randhawa to three days of CBI custody.

The agency alleges that Dar played a key role in facilitating the opening of several government-linked accounts at a Chandigarh branch by certifying Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and confirming account verification procedures that are now under question.

These certifications, investigators claim, were later exploited to operate accounts using allegedly forged or manipulated banking instruments.

Suspicious Account Activity Across Departments

The investigation has revealed that multiple government accounts, including those belonging to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad (HSSPP), and Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), were allegedly misused for fraudulent financial transactions.

One mobile number linked to a co-accused, Abhishek Singla, was reportedly registered across multiple government accounts and used to receive transaction alerts, raising concerns over systemic security failures in account verification processes.

Alleged Fake Vendor Payments and High-Value Transfers

The CBI has also flagged several transactions presented as legitimate payments to vendors or contractors, which investigators now suspect were used to bypass internal financial approvals.

Among the flagged activities is a ₹2.49 crore transaction categorized as a vendor payment and a ₹10 crore withdrawal executed using a cancelled cheque. Officials allege that procedural checks were bypassed or manipulated to enable these transfers.

Shell Company and Large-Scale Fund Diversion

Investigators have identified a firm named M/s Swastik Desh Projects, which is suspected to be a shell entity used for routing fraudulent transactions.

According to the agency, multiple payments from the Panchayat Department account were transferred to this entity, including transactions allegedly linked to former bank officials involved in authorization and verification processes.

The CBI also highlighted a ₹25 crore transaction from the HPGCL Employees’ Pension Fund Trust account that was allegedly diverted to the same entity on December 29, 2025.

Probe Focus: Digital Evidence and Money Trail

The investigation is now centered on analyzing call detail records, banking documentation, KYC verification files, and digital transaction logs to reconstruct the complete flow of funds.

Authorities are also examining whether unauthorized changes were made to registered mobile numbers in government accounts, which may have enabled the concealment of fraudulent activity.

Systemic Lapses Under Review

Officials say the case has raised serious concerns about banking compliance, verification procedures, and oversight mechanisms in handling government-linked accounts.

The CBI is currently working to establish the full extent of involvement of all accused individuals while assessing whether the fraud was part of a larger organized financial network

A disturbing case of alleged blackmail, extortion, and criminal intimidation has emerged from Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar area, where a chartered accountant and his family claim they were subjected to months of threats by their former driver, who allegedly used private content to demand large sums of money.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation after the family accused the former employee of extorting ₹24 lakh and later demanding an additional ₹1 crore while allegedly threatening harm to their minor son.

Private Content Allegedly Used for Extortion

According to the complaint, the accused was employed as the family’s personal driver for a brief period. During his tenure, he allegedly gained access to or obtained private photographs and videos of the couple without their knowledge or permission.

Investigators say the accused later used the material to pressure the family, allegedly threatening to circulate the content online and on social media platforms unless his financial demands were met.

Fearing reputational damage and emotional distress, the victims reportedly made multiple payments through cash transactions and digital transfers. Authorities claim the total amount paid reached approximately ₹24 lakh.

Demands Escalated After Employment Ended

The situation allegedly intensified after the driver’s employment was terminated. According to police sources, the accused continued contacting the family and significantly increased his financial demands.

The complaint states that he allegedly sought ₹1 crore and issued threats involving the family’s child. Investigators are also examining claims that repeated threatening messages were sent through digital communication platforms, causing considerable mental stress to the victims.

Alleged Confrontation at Family Residence

The family further alleged that on June 12, the accused arrived at their residence accompanied by three unidentified individuals. During the visit, the group allegedly pressured the victims to make additional payments and issued direct threats.

The incident reportedly prompted the family to approach law enforcement authorities, leading to the registration of a formal criminal case.

Multiple Charges Registered

Police have booked the accused and his associates under various provisions related to extortion, criminal intimidation, blackmail, and conspiracy. Investigators are gathering digital evidence, financial records, and communication data to establish the sequence of events and verify the allegations.

Specialized teams, including cyber and surveillance units, have been assigned to track the accused and identify any accomplices who may have been involved.

Investigators Exploring Wider Criminal Links

Authorities are examining whether the accused acted independently or was connected to a larger network engaged in similar extortion schemes. Officials suspect that personal information and digital content may have been strategically used to exert long-term pressure on the victims.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement agencies are reviewing financial transactions, mobile records, and online activity linked to the case.

Growing Concerns Over Privacy and Employee Verification

The incident has reignited discussions about privacy protection, employee background verification, and the misuse of personal digital information for financial gain. Security experts emphasize the importance of safeguarding sensitive data and exercising caution when granting access to personal devices or private spaces.

Police officials stated that efforts to locate and apprehend the accused are ongoing. Further action will be determined based on evidence collected during the investigation.

The probe remains active, and authorities expect additional details to emerge as the case progresses.

Mumbai, June 18, 2026: A major financial fraud case linked to the electric vehicle (EV) sector has surfaced after a senior executive of an EV technology company accused a Mumbai-based automobile designer of cheating him out of ₹53 lakh through alleged misrepresentation, questionable financial transactions, and breach of trust.

The complaint, filed with the MIDC Police, led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on June 15. The case was initiated following allegations made by Jayesh Thakkar, Director of Mercury EV-Tech Limited and co-promoter of Mercury Cars Pvt Ltd.

According to police sources, the accused allegedly cultivated a close business relationship with the complainant over several months by presenting himself as an experienced automotive professional capable of developing advanced electric vehicle models. Investigators claim the relationship was strengthened through personal narratives that helped build confidence and trust between the parties.

Business Partnership Led to Investment Discussions

The dispute reportedly began in 2024 when discussions were held regarding the development and modification of electric vehicles. As part of the proposed collaboration, a vehicle was sent to the designer’s Pune workshop for technical work, leading to a series of meetings and negotiations between both sides.

During subsequent discussions, the accused allegedly proposed a restructuring plan involving a separate business entity, claiming it would streamline operations and facilitate future expansion. Based on these representations, the parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining operational responsibilities and financial commitments.

The agreement reportedly granted the accused authority to oversee certain business activities in exchange for a monthly remuneration package. The complainant also alleges that he was encouraged to make substantial investments as part of a broader business acquisition and expansion strategy.

Financial Irregularities Raise Red Flags

The partnership reportedly came under scrutiny after concerns emerged regarding financial transparency and the handling of project-related payments. The complainant claims that several transactions associated with vehicle modification projects were not routed through official company accounts as expected.

Further examination of financial records allegedly revealed inconsistencies in fund management and prompted a detailed review of the business arrangement. During this process, the complainant reportedly became aware of other legal disputes involving the accused, increasing concerns about the legitimacy of the partnership.

Alleged Diversion of Project Funds

The complaint states that in March 2025, two vehicles were brought in for modification work with invoices totaling approximately ₹1.77 crore. However, investigators are examining allegations that a portion of these funds was not deposited into the company’s designated accounts.

Police are specifically investigating claims that ₹53 lakh was transferred directly to the accused’s personal bank accounts, while some payments were allegedly received outside formal banking channels.

Police Examining Financial Trail

MIDC Police officials confirmed that an investigation is underway and that no arrests have been made so far. Authorities are reviewing bank statements, contractual agreements, digital communications, and transaction records to determine whether the alleged fraud was part of a deliberate scheme.

Investigators are also analyzing the financial trail linked to the MoU and related investment arrangements to establish accountability and verify the flow of funds.

Growing Concerns in Startup and EV Ecosystem

The case has attracted attention within business and startup circles because it highlights the risks associated with trust-based partnerships, high-value investments, and rapidly growing EV ventures. Experts note that emerging industries often attract significant capital, making robust due diligence and financial oversight essential.

Police officials stated that additional questioning of individuals connected to the transaction is ongoing. Further developments are expected as investigators continue examining banking and digital evidence.

The investigation remains active.