CBI files 77 cases, 7 preliminary inquiries post-demonetisation

The Central Bureau of Investigation ( CBI) has registered 77 cases and seven preliminary inquiries post-demonetisation relating to exchange of demonetised currency in various departments/agencies, including banks, post offices, railways and insurance companies.

The amount involved in these cases is around Rs 396 crore. CBI on Wednesday said it acted on more than 500 references received from general public and other agencies. It also conducted joint surprise checks on banks and other agencies.

CBI has so far arrested 307 people, including 21 public servants and 26 private individuals. Chargesheets have been filed in 12 cases and regular department action has been recommended in a few.

The CBI said all its branches across the country were actively involved in checking corrupt practices undertaken by unscrupulous people in connivance with certain public servants and private individuals to either illegally convert or deposit high denomination demonetised currency notes.

“Some private individuals were nabbed with huge amounts of new currency. Since there were restrictions on individuals in terms of withdrawals of new currency, investigation is to find out how they could come in possession of such amounts,” CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said.