Chandigarh: In a shocking development amid an ongoing probe into an alleged ₹593 crore financial fraud, an accounts officer linked to the Haryana government died under suspicious circumstances after reportedly jumping from the eighth floor of the state secretariat. The incident occurred just hours before he was scheduled to appear for questioning by a central investigative agency, raising serious concerns over the case and its wider implications.
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Officer Had Reached Secretariat Before Scheduled Questioning
The deceased has been identified as Balwant Singh, who was serving as an Accounts Officer with Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL). He was posted at the Panchkula office and had arrived at the Haryana Secretariat in Chandigarh on the day of the incident. According to initial information, Singh had obtained a visitor pass in the morning to access the Controller of Accounts office within the secretariat complex.
Sources indicate that Singh had been summoned for questioning in connection with the alleged ₹593 crore scam involving suspected misuse of government funds. The case is believed to involve multiple layers of financial irregularities, including fake transactions, accounting discrepancies, and possible diversion of funds. Investigators are examining the role of various officials and entities linked to the case.
The incident reportedly took place around 3:30 PM, when panic spread across the secretariat premises. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Singh suddenly jumped from an upper floor, resulting in fatal injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body was later sent for postmortem examination before being handed over to his family.
CFO’s Removal Deepens Focus on HPGCL Fraud Probe
A significant development linked to the case is that just hours before the incident, the Chief Financial Officer of HPGCL was reportedly removed from his position over alleged involvement in the same fraud. This has intensified speculation that the investigation may be expanding and could implicate more officials in the coming days.
Officials associated with the probe said that the case is being examined from multiple angles. While the primary focus remains on uncovering the financial trail of the ₹593 crore scam, equal attention is being given to the circumstances surrounding Singh’s death. His movement within the secretariat, access logs, and interactions prior to the incident are being closely scrutinized to establish a clear sequence of events.
Cases involving large-scale financial investigations can sometimes exert immense psychological pressure on individuals under scrutiny. However, they caution against drawing premature conclusions, emphasizing that only a thorough and evidence-based investigation can determine the exact cause and circumstances of the incident.
Banking Trails and Digital Records Under Scrutiny
The alleged scam itself is under detailed examination, with investigators analyzing financial records, transaction histories, and supporting documentation. The objective is to trace how such a substantial amount may have been misused and to identify all those responsible. Banking trails and digital records are expected to play a crucial role in uncovering the truth.
