Himachal based educational institution owners accuse ED officials of extortion
Shimla, Dec 30,
Owners of educational institution based out in Himachal Pradesh have accused senior officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), of extortion and harassment. In a shocking revelation, the chairpersons of Himalayan Group of Institutions, Dev Bhoomi Group of Institutions, and ICL Group of Institutions exposed these allegations.
The complainants alleged that ED officials summoned them to their office, subjected them to mental and physical harassment, and demanded a staggering ₹25 crore as a bribe. Rajnish Bansal, Chairman of Himalayan Group, claimed he was the first to be called. He was detained in the ED office for an entire day and tortured. Under pressure, he offered ₹60 lakh, but Assistant Director and his associates, demanded additional amounts.
Bansal further disclosed that when another institutional owner refused to pay, the officials resorted to physical abuse. The situation worsened to the point where one complainant even considered suicide and procured poison. The complainants ultimately decided to approach the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), which laid a trap and recovered ₹55 lakh of marked currency notes given as bribe money.
These extortion allegations are tied to the infamous ₹181 crore scholarship scam in Himachal Pradesh. Between 2013 and 2017, funds meant for SC, ST, and OBC students under a central government scholarship scheme were allegedly misappropriated by several educational institutions. The scam involved 27 institutions, 19 of which were located in Himachal Pradesh.
In 2019, the CBI took over the investigation at the state government’s request, and the Himachal Pradesh High Court also monitored the progress. The ED, too, launched its probe and attached assets worth ₹4.5 crore belonging to one institution.
The complainants allege that after Assistant Director assumed charge in November 2024, they were summoned to the ED office and coerced into paying bribes under the threat of arrest. Bansal revealed that on December 19, he and others were called to negotiate bribe amounts. These discussions were reportedly followed by meetings at Zirakpur and Panchkula, where the CBI intercepted and recovered the bribe money from the accused.
The CBI conducted raids at the ED’s Shimla office and recovered ₹55 lakh in marked currency notes. The assistant director and his brother, allegedly involved in the operation, are currently absconding.
During the press conference, the complainants emphasized the trauma they endured, including financial ruin and emotional distress. “Our families were forced to sell their gold and other assets to meet the bribe demands,” one said. Another added, “We had no choice but to approach the CBI after facing constant harassment.”
The allegations against ED officials have raised serious questions about corruption within enforcement agencies. With the CBI now actively pursuing the case, it remains to be seen how the investigation unfolds and whether justice is delivered to the victims of this systemic abuse.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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