Chandigarh: The Haryana government has entrusted Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi, IAS (HY:2004), with the additional responsibility of managing Jhajjar district. Currently, Vidyarthi serves as Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Haryana in the Archives Department and as Director General of Fire Services. He will hold the Jhajjar district charge alongside his existing duties.
Hema Sharma Takes Charge of Chief Settlement Commissioner Cases
Simultaneously, Smt. Hema Sharma, IAS (HY:2010), the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana, has been assigned the responsibility of adjudicating cases before the Court of the Chief Settlement Commissioner, Haryana. This charge was given following the relieving of Rajeev Ranjan, IAS (HY:1998). Sharma will continue her electoral duties alongside this new assignment.
Read also: Haryana Govt Denies Sanction to Probe 4 IAS Officers in Faridabad MC Scam Cases
Background: Rs 3.10 Crore Land Acquisition Misappropriation Case
This administrative reshuffle comes amidst an ongoing investigation related to an alleged financial scam involving a cooperative society of senior officers from IAS, IPS, and IFS cadres.
An FIR registered at Basistha Police Station, Guwahati, named Sautik Goswami, Rajendra Nath, and others as accused in a Rs 3.10 crore misappropriation case. The Officers Society had advanced Rs 3.60 crore to Goswami for acquiring 86 bighas of land intended for a residential colony for officers. However, only Rs 50 lakh was refunded, and the remaining Rs 3.10 crore allegedly disappeared.
Financial Trail and Legal Proceedings
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has identified the missing amount as “proceeds of crime” and filed a prosecution complaint against Goswami and Nath. The court is yet to take cognizance.
Investigations uncovered substantial cash transactions between Goswami and Nath, with evidence including seized money receipts and recorded statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Nath reportedly acquired multiple properties between 2016 and 2023 without corresponding lawful income, deepening suspicions of illicit gains.
Significance: Governance and Ethical Concerns
The case has attracted attention due to the involvement of senior civil servants and raises serious questions about governance, transparency, and ethical conduct within government institutions. The misuse of funds intended for officers’ housing undermines public trust in administrative bodies.
Next Steps: Ongoing Investigation
The ED continues to probe the matter, aiming to hold all responsible parties accountable and recover the misappropriated funds. Further judicial proceedings are expected to unfold as the case progresses.
