Desk Correspondent , Chandigarh – The Haryana government suspends two IAS officers with immediate effect over their alleged collusion in a multi-layered ₹950-crore banking fraud involving the misappropriation and embezzlement of government funds parked in private banks. Although no official reason was mentioned in the suspension orders issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, but the action is directly linked to an ongoing investigation into irregularities at IDFC First Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Pradeep Kumar of batch 2011 IAS, previously a member secretary of Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Aug 31, and last posted as director, state transport. And Ram Kumar Singh held the post of Panchkula municipal corporation commissioner from July 10, 2025 to January 28, 2026, during which the alleged misappropriation of funds took place in the urban local body. Both officers were immediate suspension under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969. No official reasons are yet put to light but according to speculations both officers were connected to a some Bank irregularities. Alleged collusion in the embezzlement of public funds during the officers’ tenures, as part of a wider probe into private banks siphoning government money. Government department FDs were illegally diverted ₹590–597 crore via IDFC First and AU Small Finance Banks into shell companies (e.g., Swastik Desh Projects) using forged statements; another ₹150–158 crore at Kotak Mahindra Bank via forged seals/signatures to open unauthorised accounts and prematurely liquidate FDs. Discrepancies were discovered when departments tried to verify balances or close accounts.

The broader investigation continues, with the Haryana government having already sought accountability and full recovery of the public money. The two suspended officers remain under scrutiny as part of the disciplinary process, but no further charges have been detailed in the orders issued so far. This development comes amid heightened vigilance on government funds parked in private banks following the phased uncovering of the scam over the past year.