In a major crackdown, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Govind Chandra Hansda, a senior branch manager of Punjab National Bank (PNB), and a Kolkata-based associate, Mohammed Firoz Khan, in connection with a Rs 183.21 crore fake bank guarantee scam. The fraud, orchestrated through forged guarantees and fake email communications, was used to secure high-value irrigation contracts from Madhya Pradesh Jal Nigam Limited (MPJNL).
According to the CBI, the accused allegedly issued eight forged bank guarantees, tricking MPJNL into awarding contracts worth nearly Rs 974 crore to Teerth Gopicon Ltd, an Indore-based company. The scam spanned multiple states, prompting the CBI to conduct raids across 23 locations in Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
The investigation reveals that fake bank guarantees were made to look authentic using fraudulent email IDs resembling official PNB domains. The scam has raised serious concerns over the security and verification of financial documents used in public infrastructure contracts.
The arrests come after the Madhya Pradesh High Court transferred the case to the CBI, which has registered multiple FIRs and is now investigating the wider syndicate involved in forging and distributing fake guarantees across India.
Both accused have been sent to transit remand and will be produced before a special court in Indore. The CBI continues to probe the scam, with more arrests likely in the coming days.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the Rs 183 crore fake bank guarantee scam?
The scam involved the use of eight forged bank guarantees by Teerth Gopicon Ltd to secure contracts worth Rs 974 crore from MP Jal Nigam. The documents falsely appeared to be issued by Punjab National Bank.
Q2. Who has been arrested by the CBI in this scam?
The CBI has arrested Govind Chandra Hansda, a senior PNB branch manager, and Mohammed Firoz Khan, a Kolkata-based associate.
Q3. Which states were involved in the investigation?
Raids were conducted across Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.
Q4. How was the scam executed?
Fake guarantees were backed by fraudulent emails impersonating official PNB communication to deceive MPJNL into accepting the forged documents.
Q5. What action has the CBI taken so far?
The CBI has filed multiple FIRs, arrested two individuals, and is expanding its investigation to uncover the full network behind the scam.
published on 21st june
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