Chandigarh: In the alleged ₹116.84 crore Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL)-IDFC First Bank fraud case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detailed a digital and financial evidence trail in its chargesheet. The investigating agency has cited WhatsApp conversations, call detail records (CDRs), banking transactions, QR-code-based residential entry records and other digital evidence against former CSCL Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nalini Malik.
According to the CBI chargesheet, the investigation found that Nalini Malik was an authorised signatory of CSCL and was responsible for managing the company’s financial affairs. The agency has alleged that her mobile number and email ID were linked with three CSCL bank accounts through which several disputed transactions were allegedly carried out.
The chargesheet stated that certified SMS alert records obtained from IDFC First Bank showed that notifications related to debit transactions from these accounts, including fund transfers made to beneficiary entities such as CAPCO Fintech Services and other entities under investigation, were successfully delivered to the mobile number linked with Malik.
The CBI further claimed that although the concerned mobile number was registered in the name of Rajesh Malik, husband of Nalini Malik, it was allegedly being used by her and was also connected with her personal bank accounts. Investigators also analysed call detail records between Nalini Malik and co-accused Ribhav Rishi. According to the agency, 55 voice calls took place between the two from May 31, 2024, to December 8, 2025.
The investigation also examined alleged financial transactions involving Swastik Desh Projects. According to the CBI, an amount of ₹2 lakh was credited into Nalini Malik’s bank account from the company on October 24, 2025. During questioning, Malik allegedly acknowledged receiving the amount and stated that it had been arranged through accused Ribhav Rishi towards consultancy or professional services.
The CBI further alleged that amounts of ₹10 lakh and ₹1.8 lakh were transferred from the account of Swastik Desh Projects to A K Chadda & Co., a partnership firm in which Nalini Malik became a partner from April 1, 2025. According to the agency, examination of banking records indicated that these funds were linked to Malik and were later transferred or paid to her through banking channels and cash transactions.
A significant part of the chargesheet relates to alleged interior renovation work at Nalini Malik’s residence in Aquila Taj Tower, Sector 104, Mohali. The CBI stated that renovation work worth approximately ₹45 lakh was carried out at the residence. Based on statements of the contractor, WhatsApp communications and other documents, the agency alleged that the work was executed after discussions with Malik and at the direction of accused Ribhav Rishi. However, investigators stated that no evidence was found showing payment made by Malik for the renovation work.
The CBI has also mentioned an alleged ₹50 lakh cash delivery in its chargesheet. According to the agency, digital evidence showed that Nalini Malik communicated with Rahul, who was allegedly involved in cash delivery arrangements, on December 6, 2025. The agency claimed that the messages indicated urgency regarding the delivery of cash.
The CBI alleged that Nalini Malik shared a QR-based visitor access pass generated through the MyGate application of her residential society. According to the agency, the same QR code was later forwarded to Amritpal Singh, who was allegedly involved in delivering cash.
The chargesheet stated that MyGate records showed that the QR code was used to enter the residential society at 4:41 pm on December 8, 2025. The CBI claimed that call records placed Nalini Malik and Amritpal Singh at the same location during the relevant period. The agency further stated that Amritpal Singh allegedly admitted during the investigation that he delivered ₹50 lakh in cash to Malik at her residence.
The CBI has also relied on WhatsApp conversations between Nalini Malik and another accused Abhay Kumar. The agency alleged that forged and manipulated bank statements were circulated to conceal unauthorised transactions from CSCL accounts.
According to the CBI, documents shared with Malik included allegedly false agreements related to CAPCO Fintech Services and CSCL/CREST, which were allegedly prepared to justify and conceal the diversion of funds.
The investigating agency has claimed that the digital and financial evidence collected during the probe indicates that Nalini Malik was aware of the alleged fraudulent transactions and was involved in activities related to concealment and manipulation of records. However, the allegations made in the chargesheet will be examined during the judicial proceedings, and the final outcome will depend on evidence presented before the court.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
