A Rs 100 Crore Cooperative Scam?

In a major corruption scandal, the misuse of Rs 100 crore allocated under the Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) in Rewari has been uncovered. Anu Kaushish, the then Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies, stands accused, and 10 FIRs have been lodged – four in Gurugram, three each in Ambala and Karnal. 

The investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has revealed that funds from the ICDP were allegedly used to purchase land in Sirsa and Kurukshetra and flats in Zirakpur. Anu Kaushish, who was earlier posted as the General Manager ICDP in Rewari, is the main accused in this scandal. 

Key accused Stalian Jeet, director of several companies including Banbridge Constructions Pvt Ltd, Bantam Overseas Pvt Ltd, Bantam India Limited, Loadlink Systems Pvt Ltd, and Laybay India Limited, has also been implicated in the fraudulent activities. As per FIR no. 21 lodged in Gurugram in 2023, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) had sanctioned money under ICDP for the development of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) in Rewari. However, investigations revealed that from 2017-18 to 2020-21, Rs 22.15 crore was received, out of which Rs 15.67 crore was spent.

Firms hired in violation of rules allegedly paid kickbacks to Anu Kaushish and her family. The ICDP in Rewari was operational until March 31, 2022, but payments for construction works to Banbridge Constructions and other expenditures were made even after its closure. The Kaushish family received Rs 55.30 lakh in their bank accounts from various firms, as detailed in FIR no. 21.

 Further findings from FIRs 22, 23, and 29 reveal questionable transactions, including the transfer of Rs 43.08 lakh for the purchase of a flat in Zirakpur, Rs 45.50 lakh for another flat in SRK Apartments, and the withdrawal of Rs 4 crore post ICDP period. The diverted funds were used to buy land, plots, and for personal gain. In addition to Anu Kaushish, irregularities involve employees such as Vijay Singh, whose firm Saral Cooperative was paid Rs 15 lakh, and Narender Singh, a peon, who received Rs 8.23 lakh "inappropriately" in collusion with Kaushish.

These revelations underscore the depth of the corruption, involving not only misappropriation of funds but also kickbacks, dubious land purchases, and diversion of public money for personal benefits. The investigation continues to unfold more layers of the scam as multiple FIRs shed light on the rampant misuse of cooperative funds.