ED Officer Accused of Demanding ₹25 Crore Bribe in Himachal Scholarship Scam

Shimla Dec 30
The Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam, involving ₹181 crore, has taken a dramatic turn with allegations of bribery against an Enforcement Directorate (ED) official. Private educational institution owners have accused Assistant Director Vishal Deep Singh and two others of demanding ₹25 crore to avoid arrests.

The allegations were made public during a press conference in Shimla, where institution owners claimed they were mentally harassed with false warrants and prolonged questioning at ED offices. Complaints were filed with the CBI, leading to a sting operation. While Singh remains at large, his relatives have been arrested.

The scam involved misappropriation of funds meant for SC/ST and OBC students. Institutions allegedly created fake student accounts to siphon off government funds. The ED has already attached properties worth over ₹10 crore in connection with the case.

This bribery allegation adds a new layer of controversy, with institution owners alleging severe harassment and misuse of authority by ED officials.

Samagra Sikhsha