Private companies, EPFO officials under CBI scanner over non-contribution of PF

CBI said six cases were registered against officials of EPFO and heads of private sector companies for non-contribution of PF money

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 here, 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 Pvt. Ltd., MSS Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd, SY Consultants, Efficient Management Consultants in Chennai, Kalanithi Constructions Pvt. Ltd in Chennai, Viswakarma Constructions in Chennai, Sukra Constructions Chennai, Stepstone Promoters Pvt. Ltd in Chennai and Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Chennai.

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.