The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured 14-day judicial custody of former Municipal Corporation Commissioner and IAS officer Ram Kumar Singh, along with former Development and Panchayat Department Superintendent Prince Sharma, in connection with the alleged Rs 661-crore bank fraud case. The agency informed a Panchkula court that Singh had allegedly deleted conversations with the alleged mastermind of the fraud before his arrest.
The two accused were produced before the court after the completion of their police remand. During the proceedings, the CBI submitted that the investigation had reached a crucial stage and that several important aspects of the case were still under examination.
According to the agency, the case was initially registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Panchkula and was later transferred to the CBI after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Haryana and Central governments. The CBI subsequently registered a case under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The investigating agency told the court that a chargesheet had already been filed against 13 accused on May 21, 2026. A supplementary report was submitted on June 12, naming Vikram Wadhwa and Rajan Singh as additional accused. However, the agency said the investigation remains open regarding the role of other departments and individuals suspected of involvement.
The CBI stated that Ram Kumar Singh’s alleged role emerged during scrutiny of transactions and decisions taken while he was serving as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Panchkula and Municipal Council Kalka. Prince Sharma’s alleged involvement, according to investigators, relates to his tenure in the Development and Panchayat Department.
Both accused were arrested on June 18 and subsequently questioned during police custody. The agency said they were confronted with digital records and documentary evidence collected during the investigation.
According to submissions made before the court, investigators questioned the accused regarding the opening of a bank account at an IDFC Bank branch in Sector 32, the process related to fixed deposits linked to the account, and various SMS alerts received on registered mobile numbers. They were also asked about their knowledge of alleged fraudulent transactions and the actions taken after becoming aware of them.
The agency further examined them regarding bank account statements received on registered mobile numbers, digital evidence indicating the movement of funds through multiple individuals and channels, and the alleged handling of illegally obtained money.
Investigators also sought explanations regarding their communication with co-accused persons and questioned why certain messages and conversations had allegedly been deleted from mobile devices. According to the CBI, the accused were asked why such communications were removed if they could potentially have supported their defence.
The interrogation also focused on the alleged handing over of cheques to co-accused individuals, the subsequent diversion of funds, and the circumstances under which the accused became aware of the alleged fraud. The agency further questioned them about any benefits allegedly received in exchange for extending favours to co-accused persons.
The CBI told the court that inquiries were also conducted regarding the possible involvement of other bank officials, government employees and private individuals who may have assisted in the execution of the alleged fraud. Investigators additionally examined the transfer of funds to shell companies and the subsequent return of money to government accounts without any apparent justification.
The court subsequently remanded both accused to 14 days of judicial custody as the CBI continues its investigation into the alleged bank fraud, which is among the largest financial irregularity cases currently under probe in the region.