Chandigarh HC seeks UT, Punjab, CBI response on ₹146-crore housing society scam plea
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 4, 2026 sought responses from the Chandigarh administration, the Punjab government, the CBI and several IPS officers on a petition alleging a ₹146-crore embezzlement and fraudulent land transfer linked to a police housing society in New Chandigarh. The court fixed August 20 as the next hearing, while the petition cites a builder conexão and past actions dating back to 2009-2017.
Why It Matters
The case involves alleged financial malfeasance and manipulation of land records tied to a housing initiative for police personnel, with potential high-level involvement. A court-monitored probe could bring accountability and clarify fiduciary duties within a public-interest housing project.
Timeline
5 Events
May 4, 2026: HC notice to UT, Punjab, CBI and IPS officers
The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued notice, seeking a response from the Chandigarh administration, the Punjab government, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and several serving and retired IPS officers on a petition alleging a multi-crore fraud involving a housing society formed for Punjab Police personnel for construction of flats in New Chandigarh. Justice Jagmohan Bansal fixed August 20 for the next hearing.
2017: Vigilance Bureau letterhead incident
The plea refers to a 2017 incident in which a serving IPS officer allegedly used Vigilance Bureau letterhead to summon an inquiry officer probing complaints against the society’s management.
2010: Funds deposited for housing projects
The society alleges members deposited over ₹111 crore for the first housing project, while another ₹35 crore was collected for a second project for which no land was purchased.
2010: DGP chaired meetings and builder appointment; MoU signed
In 2010, a retired Director General of Police allegedly chaired meetings and facilitated the appointment of a builder without any tendering process. An MoU was subsequently signed for the development of a 100-acre township project in New Chandigarh.
Formation of society
The Punjab Police Primary Consumers Cooperative Society Limited was formed in 2009 primarily for lower-rank police personnel.