ED Raids 24 locations in scholarship scam probe

himachalscape August 31, 2023 2 minutes read

ED Raids 24 locations in scholarship scam probe

Shimla, Aug 31

On August 29, 2023, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) executed search operations pursuant to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, at 24 different locations spanning Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. This action is a part of the ongoing investigation into the Himachal Pradesh Scholarship Scam.

The ED’s inquiry stems from an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The case pertains to irregularities in the disbursal of scholarships by the Directorate of Higher Education, H.P., specifically under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC/ST/OBC students.

These searches, conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, targeted officials from the State Education Department, individuals associated with banking institutions, and proprietors of entities linked to private universities and educational institutions. These entities are believed to have been involved in extensive misappropriation of scholarship funds.

Also read: Scholarship scam in HP: 27 Pvt Educational Institutions booked by CBI states Minister

During the course of these operations, unaccounted cash totaling Rs. 75 lakhs was seized, and Rs. 2.55 crore deposited in various bank accounts was frozen. Additionally, a variety of incriminating documents and digital devices were confiscated from multiple locations. The investigation is currently ongoing, with further developments expected in due course