Chandigarh, January 30:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at the residence of businessman Rajneesh Bansal in Sector-16, Panchkula, as part of its investigation into the money laundering case linked to the scholarship scam. A team of 10-12 ED officials arrived at 9 AM and began searching the premises. During the raid, family members inside the house were not allowed to leave, and their mobile phones were switched off.
CBI Had Already Made Several Arrests
Several arrests had already been made in connection with this scam. The CBI had earlier arrested ED Assistant Director Vishaldeep, his brother Vikasdeep, his cousin Neeraj, and DSP Balbir Singh from the Delhi CBI headquarters.
It is alleged that officials demanded bribes from the educational institutions involved in the scam. ED officer Vishaldeep reportedly sought ₹25 crore in exchange for providing relief to these institutions, but the deal was later settled at ₹2.5 crore.
Arrest Made While Accepting Bribe After Complaint
The directors of Himachal Group of Institutions, Rajneesh Bansal and Bhupendra Singh from Mohali, had lodged a complaint with the CBI regarding the bribery demand. Following this complaint, on November 23, 2024, the CBI arrested Vishaldeep’s brother, Vikasdeep, while he was accepting a ₹54 lakh bribe at a hotel in Jind. Based on his statement, the agency also arrested cousin Neeraj from Bhiwani. Later, Vishaldeep was arrested in Mumbai.
The CBI had registered two separate FIRs (No. 33 and 34) in Chandigarh related to this case.
Threat Allegations Against Rajneesh Bansal
On January 4, Rajneesh Bansal lodged a complaint with Panchkula Police, stating that an unknown person named Rohit Gurjar had called him, demanding ₹40 lakh in extortion. The caller also pressured him to withdraw his complaint against Vishaldeep.
Based on this complaint, Panchkula Police registered a case against Vishaldeep and Rohit Gurjar for extortion and issuing death threats. On January 9, Panchkula police arrested Vishaldeep from Mumbai and took him into five-day remand.
ED’s Raid Ongoing, Documents and Digital Evidence Being Examined
The ED’s newly assigned investigation team is actively searching for money laundering evidence related to Rajneesh Bansal. Officials at his residence, House No. 376 in Panchkula, are thoroughly examining documents, laptops, and other digital records.
The authorities have sealed the premises, restricting entry and exit. The investigation is ongoing, with officials looking into further aspects of the scam.
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