CBI books 3 Mumbai-based cos for `136-cr bank fraud

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked three Mumbai-based companies, some officials of State Bank of India for an alleged fraud of Rs 136 crore. As per the FIR, it has been alleged that all the three companies have conspired against SBI and committed the fraud with the help of bank officials.

According to sources, it has been alleged that the said private companies enjoyed bill discounting facilities against the Letters of Credit issued by State Bank of India, DN Road branch and PM Road Branch, Fort, Mumbai. According to sources, the prime accused in the case is Abhay Lodha, who conspired with the bank officials and siphoned crores of rupees from the SBI bank.

"However, these bills were returned unpaid by the concerned banks, since it was observed that there were instances of diversion of funds and misrepresentations by the companies," the sources said.

Searches were conducted at 17 places in Mumbai, Raigad, Malegaon, Amravati, including office and residential premises of accused which led to the recovery of incriminating documents.

As per the FIR, it has been stated that the internal enquiry by the bank has also revealed irregularities of raising multiple invoices, false lorry receipts, showing incorrect vehicle registration numbers and vehicles other than heavy goods transport vehicles being shown as means of transportation.

The CBI has registered cases against all the accused under section 120-B, 420 of IPC and Section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988. The investigation is still on.