CBI registers cases against private companies heads, EPFO officials

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday said six cases were registered against officials of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and heads of private sector companies for non-contribution of provident fund (PF) money.

In a statement issued, the CBI said searches were conducted at 19 places, including the residential premises of the accused officials and companies.

The CBI said searches were conducted in CP Aqua Culture India,  MSS Management Consultants, SY Consultants, Efficient Management Consultants in Chennai, Kalanithi Constructions in Chennai, Viswakarma Constructions in Chennai, Sukra Constructions in Chennai, Stepstone Promoters  in Chennai and Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Chennai.

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During the course of searches, 535 documents and three hard disks were seized, the CBI said.

According to CBI, cases have been registered against M Thangavel, Section Supervisor, EPFO, Chennai, Enforcement Officers D Vijayakumar, R Vimala, Ramanan and Managing Directors/Managing Partners of private firms.

The CBI has alleged that Thangavel and other enforcement officers of EPFO entered into criminal conspiracy with Managing Directors/Managing Partners of private firms to cheat EPFO to avoid payment of contribution to PF, dues and penalties based on bogus and fabricated PF Returns submitted by the accused firms and receiving illegal gratification.