VAT scam: Haryana government opposes demand for CBI probe

The Haryana government on Wednesday opposed a demand for handing over the probe into ₹10,618-crore VAT scam in the state to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The government argued that FIRs had been registered in the case for which the petitioner is demanding CBI probe. On the other hand, the petitioner’s counsel said the scam had interstate ramifications. Hence, it should handed over to the CBI.

During the resumed hearing on Wednesday, enforcement directorate (ED), special prosecutor, Sukhdeep Singh Sandhu apprised the court that the enforcement case information report (ECIR) has been filed in connection with 30 FIRs registered by the state police so far. There are 29 more FIRs related to the alleged scam, about which the state is yet to supply complete set of documents. Appropriate action will be taken by ED upon receiving the same, Sandhu told the court.

The HC bench of justice MMS Bedi has posted the matter for further hearing for March 3 while asking the CBI, the state government and the petitioner to address arguments whether cases should go to the CBI or not without the state’s consent.

The high court was hearing a petition filed by Kaithal resident Raghbir Singh and Ajmer (Rajasthan) resident Shiv Sawhney. It was on Raghbir Singh’s complaint that the Haryana lokayukta had handed over the probe to a special investigation team (SIT). On the basis of the probe in 10 districts, the SIT was able to detect an estimated revenue loss of about Rs 10,618 crore.

The SIT had found that the excise department officials connived with builders, rice millers, tobacco and cigarette industries to evade taxes between 2005 and 2015.