Classrooms ‘scam’: ED says it seized 322 bank passbooks linked to mule accounts, Delhi govt files, rubber stamps

New Delhi, June 20 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered a major financial web linked to the alleged Delhi classroom construction scam. In its recent raids, the agency seized 322 bank passbooks connected to suspected mule accounts and recovered several official documents and rubber stamps belonging to Delhi government departments. This action has intensified scrutiny on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led administration.

ED Traces Money Flow Through Mule Accounts

Acting on specific intelligence, ED teams raided multiple locations across Delhi and neighboring states. During the operation, they discovered hundreds of bank accounts that appeared to belong to individuals with no clear financial background. These so-called mule accounts were allegedly used to divert public funds meant for classroom construction projects.

A senior ED officer said, “The transactions in these accounts suggest deliberate attempts to launder money. We suspect that low-income individuals were either paid to open these accounts or had their identities stolen.”

Furthermore, some account holders reportedly operated multiple accounts under different names, raising concerns about identity fraud and systemic manipulation. Investigators believe that officials may have used these accounts to rotate money and obscure its origin.

Forgery Suspected in Govt File Seizures

Alongside financial documents, the ED also collected a cache of Delhi government files, forged tenders, inflated bills, and project approvals. More alarmingly, rubber stamps bearing the names of school authorities and key officials were found at unauthorized locations.

The presence of these stamps and files suggests deliberate forgery. Officials might have used them to approve inflated estimates, backdate records, or justify payments that never occurred. A forensic team is currently verifying the authenticity of the documents.

Classroom Costs Far Exceeded Estimates

This latest action stems from long-standing allegations that classroom construction costs in Delhi’s government schools exceeded estimates by almost 90 to 100 percent. Critics argue that the administration used the education budget not for improving schools, but for funneling public money into private hands.

Reports from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had earlier pointed to several red flags in how tenders were issued and projects executed. Many school buildings were found incomplete, despite full payments being made on paper.

AAP Pushes Back, Denounces Political Vendetta

Reacting to the ED raids, the AAP accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies to suppress opposition voices. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “They cannot stop our work by sending ED or CBI. We built world-class schools, and that is what bothers them.”

AAP leaders claimed that no irregularities occurred and said they welcomed a fair investigation. Spokesperson Jasmine Shah added, “If there is wrongdoing, let it be proven in court. But stop the media trials and political slander.”

However, critics argue that simply denying involvement is not enough. As the probe widens, pressure is mounting on the Delhi government to allow independent audits and greater transparency.

Opposition Slams Kejriwal Government

Opposition leaders have demanded strict action and accountability. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari stated, “AAP fooled people in the name of education reform. This scam has robbed Delhi’s children of basic infrastructure.”

Congress leader Ajay Maken echoed the sentiment, noting, “We are witnessing one of the biggest education scams in recent memory. The ED’s findings demand urgent judicial intervention.”

Some leaders have also called for the resignation of senior ministers if the charges hold up in court. They argue that public funds were misused at the expense of schoolchildren who still study in overcrowded or poorly constructed classrooms.

What Happens Next in the Investigation

The ED will now question officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Directorate of Education. These departments handled the tendering, execution, and payment stages of the classroom projects. Investigators will also summon contractors linked to the seized bank accounts and forged documents.

Simultaneously, banks have been instructed to freeze suspicious accounts and submit transaction records for forensic examination. Preliminary analysis suggests a circular flow of funds, indicating efforts to launder money.

The probe also involves cross-referencing school infrastructure data with financial records to identify ghost projects or false reporting.

Potential Legal Action on the Horizon

Legal experts believe the findings could lead to charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery.

If proven, the scam may become a landmark case involving public education funds and political accountability. Investigators may also explore links to other departments and political aides who could have facilitated the fraud.

Conclusion: A Scandal That Shakes Trust in Public Education

The ED’s revelations strike at the heart of what many considered Delhi’s education revolution. While the AAP government has built a global reputation for public school reform, these allegations, if substantiated, expose a dark underbelly of mismanagement and possible corruption.

As the investigation progresses, Delhi’s citizens and civil society will look for more than just arrests—they’ll demand a systemic overhaul to ensure transparency, accountability, and genuine reform in the education sector.