Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam has taken a shocking turn. The CBI has initiated a nationwide search for an absconding ED official of its Shimla office. This official is accused of extorting money from private institutions.
Raid Reveals Crores in Cash
The CBI raided the sub-zonal ED head's premises in Shimla. Over ₹1 crore in cash was recovered during the raid. The official went missing soon after.
Extortion Allegations Surface
Heads of chargesheeted institutions filed complaints in May 2024. They accused ED officials of harassment and exorbitant bribe demands.
Scholarship Scam Details
The scam involves fraudulent claims on scholarships meant for SC/ST/OBC students. It occurred between 2013 and 2017. The scheme was funded by the Government of India and executed through the Himachal Pradesh government.
Widespread Collusion
Private educational institutions colluded with officials to misuse funds. The scam involved ₹181 crore as per the CBI chargesheet.
CBI’s Progress So Far
The CBI registered the case in 2019. It has filed chargesheets against 20 institutions and 105 individuals. These include educational administrators, bank officials, and Directorate of Higher Education personnel. Nineteen arrests have been made.
Harrowing Testimonies
At a press conference in Shimla, some of institution heads shared their experiences fired their allegations against ED officer.
One complainant said:
- “We were pressured to pay ₹25 crore collectively. I was mentally tortured when I refused. My family was harassed even when my wife was gravely ill, they alleged.
Another added:
- “The extortion was relentless. Some sold personal assets to pay bribes. Others were pushed to despair.”
Evidence Against ED Officials
The CBI found significant evidence during the raid. It is also probing the nexus between ED officials and private institutions. The CBI had raided ED premises few days ago but the ED officer went missing.
