The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau has busted a major scam in an integrated cooperative development project and seized a “corruption racket” worth Rs 100 crore, according to an official statement on Friday.

According to reports, 14 people, including 10 senior officials and four private individuals, were arrested for their involvement in the alleged fraud.

“An investigation by the ACB team revealed a Rs 100-crore scam in the integrated cooperative development project,” the statement quoted a government spokesperson as saying.

The spokesperson said that the Haryana Cooperation Department is responsible for integrated cooperative development projects with focus on promoting development of rural and agricultural areas and development of cooperative societies through various schemes.

The statement said that some assistant registrars and district registrars of cooperative societies colluded with the auditors to misappropriate funds for personal gain.

“They misused government funds in official accounts to purchase apartments, land and other assets, among others. These officials also tried to cover their tracks by forging government documents and bank details,” the spokesperson said in a press release.

“A thorough investigation is on. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Karnal and Ambala Band (ACB) laws. The Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested six gazetted officers, four ICDP Rewari staff during the course of thorough investigation and four personal personnel.”

Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Bureau Director and State Police Commissioner Shatrujit Kapoor stressed that the Bureau was committed to taking action against criminals in a completely transparent and impartial manner and insisted that the Bureau’s anti-corruption drive would continue.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)