In connection with the Kotak Mahindra Bank scam, the ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) has arrested a second accused—Rajat Dahra—following the earlier arrest of a Relationship Manager, and has secured a six-day remand for him. It has been revealed that Rs 70 crore—diverted funds belonging to the Municipal Corporation—was transferred into Rajat’s bank account. Rajat subsequently transferred these funds to various builders and private individuals.
The investigating agency disclosed this information to the court while seeking Rajat’s remand. It is pertinent to note that this marks the second arrest in this scam; the first arrest involved Relationship Manager Dilip Kumar, who is currently in police custody. Dilip Kumar Raghav, the bank’s Relationship Manager, has made significant revelations during his interrogation while on remand. A “U.P. connection” has also surfaced in this case. ACB sources indicate that fake stamps were utilized in the commission of this fraud, although these stamps have not yet been recovered. To facilitate their recovery, the SV & ACB team will take Raghav to Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh, where efforts will be made to locate and seize the stamps based on the information provided by him.
Raghav Uncooperative with Investigation
The agency investigating the case informed the Panchkula Court that Raghav is not cooperating with the investigation. The agency stated that he needs to be interrogated regarding every specific transaction, as well as the roles played by co-accused officials within the Panchkula Municipal Corporation and the bank. Investigators added that Raghav would also be questioned regarding various letters, vouchers, and cheques bearing allegedly forged stamps—documents which were reportedly provided by a co-accused Senior Accounts Officer within the Panchkula Municipal Corporation.
Investigating Agency Retrieves Bank Account Details
The agency has collected transaction details pertaining to the four bank accounts held by the Municipal Corporation (MC), Panchkula, at Kotak Mahindra Bank. These include account numbers 2015073031 (May 28, 2020, to March 25), 2046279112 (June 8, 2022, to March 25), 2013457703 (October 27, 2018, to March 25), and 2046903758 (August 26, 2022, to March 25). According to officials from the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, investigators have identified two individuals who allegedly received a substantial sum amounting to ₹150 crore. One of them, Rajat, has been arrested. He revealed that he had received over ₹60 crore. The second suspect has not yet joined the investigation. On Thursday, the agency also questioned a Senior Accounts Officer from the Panchkula Municipal Corporation.
