The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detailed the alleged role of former Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) Chief Financial Officer Nalini Malik in its chargesheet filed in the ₹116.84 crore CSCL-IDFC First Bank fraud case. According to the agency, the investigation uncovered multiple forms of digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, call detail records (CDRs), banking transactions, SMS alerts, and MyGate QR-based entry logs, which allegedly point to her involvement in the conspiracy to misappropriate public funds.
According to the CBI, Malik was an authorised signatory responsible for managing the financial affairs of CSCL. The investigation found that her mobile number and email address were linked to three CSCL bank accounts. Certified SMS alert logs obtained from IDFC First Bank allegedly showed that notifications relating to unauthorised debit transactions and transfers of funds to beneficiary entities, including CAPCO Fintech Services, were successfully delivered to that mobile number.
Investigators further alleged that although the mobile number was officially registered in the name of her husband, Rajesh Malik, it was being used by Nalini Malik and was also linked to her personal bank accounts. Based on call detail records, the CBI claimed that Malik and co-accused Ribhav Rishi exchanged 55 phone calls between May 31, 2024, and December 8, 2025.
The chargesheet further states that banking records revealed a ₹2 lakh transfer from Swastik Desh Projects to Malik’s bank account on October 24, 2025. During questioning, she acknowledged receiving the amount, stating that it had been arranged through Rishi as payment for consultancy or professional services. The CBI also alleged that the same company transferred ₹10 lakh and ₹1.80 lakh to A K Chadda & Co., a partnership firm in which Malik became a partner in April 2025. According to the investigation, these funds ultimately benefited Malik through banking channels as well as cash payments.
The agency has further alleged that extensive interior renovation work worth approximately ₹45 lakh was carried out at Malik’s residence in Aquila Taj Tower, Mohali. Statements from the interior contractor, WhatsApp communications, and documentary evidence allegedly indicate that the work was executed in consultation with Malik and at the instance of Ribhav Rishi. However, investigators said they found no evidence that Malik made any payment for the renovation.
The chargesheet also details the alleged delivery of ₹50 lakh in cash. According to the CBI, on December 6 and December 8, 2025, Malik allegedly shared MyGate QR-based visitor access passes for her residential complex with individuals involved in cash delivery through WhatsApp. Investigators claim that on December 8, the QR code was used to gain entry into the society, where ₹50 lakh in cash was allegedly delivered to her residence. The agency has relied on MyGate access records, location data from call records, and witness statements to support this allegation.
The CBI further alleged that co-accused Abhay Kumar shared genuine CSCL bank account statements with Malik showing unauthorised debit transactions. According to the chargesheet, forged and manipulated versions of those statements were later created by removing the disputed transactions and inserting fictitious interest credit entries. Investigators allege that these fabricated documents were intended to conceal the alleged diversion of funds and present the accounts as legitimate.
Summarising its findings, the CBI stated in the chargesheet that the available digital evidence suggests Malik was aware of the unauthorised withdrawals, possessed both genuine and manipulated account statements, and allegedly participated in preparing forged records to conceal the fraud. The allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny, and the final determination of guilt or innocence will be made by the competent court after examining the evidence presented during trial.
