THE QUESTIONS RAISED OVER DECISION TO OPEN ACCOUNTS IN PRIVATE BANKS; ACCOUNTABILITY MUST BE FIXED, THE STRICT ACTION MUST BE TAKEN AGAINST THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ALLEGED FRAUD:-KUMARI SELJA
(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
The Sirsa MP, former Union Cabinet Minister and All India Congress Committee General Secretary Kumari Selja has termed the alleged financial irregularities involving nearly ₹590 crore linked to accounts associated with the Haryana government as extremely serious and a matter of public interest. Kumari Selja said preliminary information indicates that the case is connected to a branch of IDFC FIRST Bank in Chandigarh, where the suspected involvement of certain employees has come to light.
Kumari Selja said the alleged fraud involving approximately ₹590 crore in government-linked accounts is deeply alarming. According to her, the issue is not merely a financial irregularity but a direct breach of public trust. She questioned how such a massive discrepancy could occur without high-level negligence or possible collusion and whether internal audit and monitoring mechanisms had been reduced to mere formalities.
Kumari Selja asserted that suspending four officials alone is not sufficient, emphasizing that accountability must be clearly established since public money is involved. Kumari Selja said that the matter should not be viewed as limited to a single bank or branch but raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability across the entire financial management system. Selja demanded a high-level, impartial and time-bound investigation to bring the truth before the public and ensure strict action against those responsible.
(SUBHEAD)She also sought clarification on why government departments and institutions were directed to open accounts in private banks despite the availability of nationalised banks. The government, she said, must disclose under what circumstances and at whose instance such decisions were taken, and identify all officials and administrative levels involved.
Kumari Selja said that if the government is now directing departments to open accounts in nationalised banks, it should also publicly explain why private banks were earlier given preference contrary to established policy. Fixing responsibility in the entire matter is essential, she said. She demanded a judicial or independent high-level probe into the case, disclosure of the roles of concerned officials and external individuals, full protection and swift recovery of government funds, and the implementation of strict protocols to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Kumari Selja said that safeguarding public money must remain the highest priority and that negligence or collusion at any level should not be tolerated. Regardless of influence or position, those found guilty must face strict legal action.
