CBI registers half a dozen FIRs in Himachal education financial fraud case.

In another major revelation of financial crime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe by registering six fresh FIRs against private individuals and unidentified government officials under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, in a case related to the largest education financial fraud in Himachal Pradesh.

All FIRs have been registered at the agency’s zonal headquarters in Shimla on Monday. The agency has also launched a simultaneous coordinated search operation at six locations — including two in Himachal Pradesh, three in Punjab, and one in Chandigarh — leading to the seizure of several incriminating documents, particularly property-related records.

A senior CBI official, while confirming the development, said the new FIRs were based on fresh evidence unearthed during the continuing investigation. The scam, one of the most notorious in the state’s history, came to light in 2019 when the Himachal Pradesh government handed over the probe to the CBI following allegations of fraudulent scholarship claims by private educational institutions.

It was between 2013 and 2017, these institutions allegedly siphoned off approximately Rs. 181 crores under the centrally sponsored Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme meant for SC/ST/OBC students.

Earlier, on March 28, 2024, the CBI had filed a comprehensive chargesheet before a special court, naming 20 private institutions and 105 individuals. Those charge sheeted included college owners, officials of the Directorate of Higher Education, bank staff, and other private persons. Nineteen individuals were arrested during the initial investigation. CBI findings revealed that institutions faked student admissions and manipulated records to claim scholarship funds from both central and state governments.

The Learned Himachal Pradesh High Court, taking serious note of the matter, has been monitoring the probe and directed the agency to submit regular status reports. With the registration of fresh FIRs and seizure of new material, the case continues to unfold as one of the largest education-related financial frauds in Himachal Pradesh. It is worthwhile to mention that the scam is spread across eight states and involves large number of accused.

According to former secretary of education department, this scam is extensive, and demonstrates to be mammoth in comparison to the Fodder Scam that was unearthed in Bihar State.

Team Maverick