Shimla CBI court sends 4 convicts to 2 years’ jail for KCC loan frauds

The CBI had registered the case on February 22, 2013 against Raj Kumar Kainth (the then Branch Manager, SBI, Dehra), Kuldip Singh Bhatoa (the then Field Officer, SBI, Dehra), S.M. Paul (former Branch Manager, SBI, Dehra), Mohinder (the then Manager PBD, SBI, Dehra), Suresh Kumar (private person) and other unknown officials of SBI.

The CBI filed the case on the allegations that the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy and obtained KCC loans from SBI, Dehra, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh on the basis of fake /forged documents and did not repay the said loans and thereby cheated the Bank, said the statement.

After investigation, the CBI filed instance-wise 20 separate charge sheets in the Special CBI Court, Shimla, against the bank officers and private borrowers/persons, whereas 19 other separate charge sheets were filed in the Court of Special Magistrate–cum-CJM, Shimla, only against the private persons.

The court, after the trial, convicted Bachitter Singh, Roshan Lal, Harkirat Singh and Shammi on July 6 and sentenced them on Tuesday, said a CBI statement.

The CBI reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability in cases involving economic offences, corruption and public fraud, particularly those adversely affecting the interests of common citizens and homebuyers.

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme provides farmers with affordable, flexible credit for cultivation, farm maintenance, and household needs. Loans up to Rs 3 lakhs are available at 7 per cent per annum, effectively dropping to just 4 per cent per annum upon prompt repayment.

--IANS

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