CBI UNEARTHS `396 CR SLUSH FUNDS

New Delhi, Nov. 8: The CBI has unearthed `396 crore of alleged slush funds in 84 cases registered by it relating to illicit currency exchange that took place after the government announced demonetisation an year ago.

The 84 cases which also include seven preliminary enquiries related to fraudulent exchange of demonetised notes at commercial banks, and co-operative banks.

The CBI on Wednesday joined in the chorus to chalk out the benefits of noteban with it’s director, Alok Verma claiming that the move “aided” the agency in its anti-corruption drive, exposing officials and individuals hoarding illicit cash.

Talking to reporters here CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said after the note ban was announced, the agency managed to expose `396 crore of alleged slush funds in 84 cases registered by it relating to illicit currency exchange that took place after the move.

Dayal said the CBI director had given top priority to the probe of demonetisation-related cases and directed the team probing them to complete investigation in a time-bound manner. He had also issued directions to ensure that all those guilty of malpractices were brought to book, he said.

“Demonetisation has significantly aided the CBI in its anti-corruption drive by taking action against the corrupt public servants and individuals hoarding the illegal cash,” Dayal said quoting CBI director Alok Verma. In the 84 cases, which include seven preliminary enquiries, the agency had so far arrested 21 public servants and 26 private persons out of 307 accused found involved, he said.