The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case involving a Rs 6.78-crore financial scam at Gujarat Informatics Ltd (GIL), a state-run enterprise. Senior officials, including former Deputy Director Sameer Mehta, Executive Accountant Ruchi Bhavsar, and Soni Travels owner Ashwin Soni, along with unauthorized vendors, are named in the case.
The fraudulent activity was uncovered during an internal audit for the financial year 2018. Investigators found that the accused had authorized payments far beyond the approved amounts listed in Payment Recommendation Vouchers (PRVs). Moreover, payments were made to unauthorized vendors without proper records or supporting documentation.
Sameer Mehta and Ruchi Bhavsar are accused of approving these excessive payments, totaling Rs 6.78 crore, through 44 separate bank transactions. Ashwin Soni allegedly worked with the GIL officials to facilitate the fraudulent transactions. Additionally, the accused are said to have tampered with PRVs and destroyed critical documents to cover up their tracks.
In response to the findings, the ACB has charged the individuals under several sections, including criminal breach of trust, falsification of accounts, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the scam and bring the culprits to justice.