Suspended Haryana-cadre IAS officer Pardeep Kumar has allegedly gone “on the run” after being named as an accused in the Rs 590-crore IDFC First Bank-linked scam, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reportedly unable to trace him, sources said on Friday. His mobile phone is switched off, and he was not found at his residence when a CBI team visited to arrest him.

According to agency sources, Kumar’s role is linked to alleged irregularities involving funds from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), where he served as Member Secretary between August 2022 and December 2025. Investigators claim that, in conspiracy with bank officials, he facilitated and approved investments in private banks in violation of rules, resulting in a financial loss of approximately Rs 169.36 crore to the board.

The CBI had earlier arrested a data entry operator, Saurav Sharma, on June 23 in connection with the case. A Panchkula court subsequently remanded him to custody for further interrogation. Officials said Kumar’s absence has now intensified the investigation, as his role is considered crucial to understanding the alleged diversion of funds.

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Kumar, a 2011-batch IAS officer, was suspended on April 8. He had previously served as director of state transport and special secretary in the department. He began his career in 1999 as a City Magistrate in Karnal after joining the Haryana Civil Services and was later promoted to the IAS cadre.

Investigators have also widened the probe to include other senior officials, including 1991-batch IAS officer Vineet Garg, former chairman of HSPCB, who is currently posted as additional chief secretary in the printing and stationery department. The government has reportedly granted permission under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act to investigate his role.

Sources further allege that funds from HSPCB accounts were routed to multiple private entities, including Capco Fintech Services, Disha Traders, and Swastik Desh Projects, many of which are suspected shell firms. Significant amounts, including over Rs 70 crore to Swastik Desh Projects and more than Rs 53 crore to Capco Fintech Services, are under scrutiny for possible diversion.

Officials said the wider investigation covers multiple departments and at least eight IAS officers. So far, two officers have been arrested in related cases, while one remains absconding and several others are under active investigation as the CBI continues to trace the alleged financial network.

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