Chandigarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a major search operation on July 9 at 14 locations across Haryana as part of its investigation into a multi-crore VAT scam. The operation is being conducted by the ED’s Chandigarh Zonal office and targets three Haryana Civil Service officers along with several private individuals suspected of involvement in the scam.

The Haryana Civil Service officers under scrutiny are Ashok Sukhija, Narender Kumar Ranga, and Gopi Chand Chaudhary. According to sources, the aim of the search operation is to uncover evidence of money laundering and other financial irregularities connected to the scam. ED officials are meticulously examining the premises for documents and records related to the alleged fraud.

The Value Added Tax (VAT) scam has reportedly caused significant financial losses to the state exchequer, with estimates suggesting a shortfall of around Rs 70 crore. The ED's crackdown follows the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Haryana Police against the Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and other accused individuals in connection with the scam.

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