India News | Himachal Vigilance Registers FIR Against Former Dehra MLA Hoshyar Singh Chambyal over Alleged Misuse of MLA Discretionary Funds
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The Himachal Pradesh State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) has registered an FIR against former Dehra MLA Hoshyar Singh Chambyal in connection with the alleged misappropriation of government funds under the MLA Discretionary Grant Scheme.
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 20 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) has registered an FIR against former Dehra MLA Hoshyar Singh Chambyal in connection with the alleged misappropriation of government funds under the MLA Discretionary Grant Scheme.
According to an official statement issued on Sunday, the case was registered following a preliminary inquiry into a complaint filed by employees of a company owned by the former legislator. The complainants are also among the listed beneficiaries in the case.
The Vigilance Bureau said it examined official records, beneficiary bank statements, government documents, and the statements of the complainants and other individuals during the preliminary verification.
The inquiry allegedly revealed that during 2023 and 2024, financial assistance under the MLA Discretionary Grant Scheme was sanctioned and disbursed in the names of several individuals. However, the complainants and other beneficiaries reportedly stated that they had never applied for such financial assistance.
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According to the Bureau, the beneficiaries further alleged that after the grant amounts were credited to their bank accounts, they withdrew the money in cash and handed it over to the former MLA on his instructions.
Based on documentary evidence and bank records collected during the verification, the Vigilance Bureau said there was a prima facie indication that public funds were used for purposes other than those intended under the scheme and that the actual beneficiaries did not receive the benefit of the sanctioned assistance.
Finding prima facie evidence of offences relating to criminal breach of trust and cheating, the Bureau registered FIR No. 05 of 2026 on July 16, 2026, at the SV&ACB Police Station in Dharamshala under Sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and has initiated a formal investigation.
The agency said the investigation would also examine the role of any other individuals and determine whether offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act or any other relevant legal provisions are attracted, based on evidence collected during the probe.
The SV&ACB said the investigation would be conducted in a fair, transparent and evidence-based manner, and that any determination of criminal liability would be made strictly in accordance with the available evidence and the law.
Reiterating its commitment to combating corruption, the Bureau said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards the misuse of public funds, corruption and offences that undermine public trust, adding that ensuring an impartial, independent and effective investigation remains its highest priority. (ANI)
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