Ambala ₹17 crore housing scam, July 31: A major corruption case linked to the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Housing Renovation Grant Scheme has surfaced in Ambala district, where the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered an FIR against 16 officials, employees, and alleged agents following a three-year investigation. The case involves the alleged misuse of nearly ₹17.03 crore meant for the renovation of houses belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Scheduled Caste (SC) families.
According to investigators, the alleged irregularities occurred between 2018-19 and 2021-22, during which government funds were released to beneficiaries who were reportedly not eligible under the scheme. Officials claim that mandatory verification procedures were ignored before approving applications, leading to large-scale misuse of public funds.
Investigation Reveals Alleged Rule Violations
The ACB investigation found that applications were approved without conducting the required physical inspections of houses. Under the scheme’s guidelines, the Tehsil Welfare Officer must inspect each property before recommending financial assistance.
Instead, investigators allege that approvals were granted based only on paperwork, allowing ineligible applicants to receive government grants. During the period under scrutiny, 3,922 beneficiaries reportedly received financial assistance through RTGS transfers totaling ₹17.03 crore.
Complaint Led to Detailed Probe
The inquiry began on June 15, 2022, following directions from the Haryana Chief Secretary. A complaint filed by a resident of Saha reportedly prompted authorities to examine the implementation of the housing renovation scheme in detail.
During the investigation, officials uncovered allegations that private agents assisted beneficiaries in opening bank accounts while retaining their ATM cards. According to the FIR, the agents allegedly withdrew a commission from the grant amount before handing the cards back to beneficiaries.
Grant Amount Increased During Scheme
The government had increased the financial assistance under the scheme in phases—from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 in 2018, and later to ₹80,000 in 2021.
Investigators allege that as the grant amount increased, fraudulent activities also expanded, resulting in larger financial losses to the government.
Officials and Agents Named in FIR
The FIR names several serving and former officials from the district welfare department, including former and current welfare officers, tehsil welfare officers, and office staff. Several private individuals alleged to have acted as agents have also been booked in connection with the case.
Authorities have stated that the investigation remains ongoing, and further action will depend on the evidence collected during the probe.
Charges Filed
The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and use of forged documents, along with relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Investigators allege that officials and agents worked together to bypass eligibility conditions and facilitate wrongful disbursement of government funds intended for economically weaker families.
Investigation Continues
The ACB has indicated that the financial records, beneficiary verification process, and the involvement of all accused individuals will continue to be examined. Officials say additional action may follow if further evidence emerges during the investigation.
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