CBI books Mumbai firm in ₹93-crore PNB fraud case, conducts searches

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked Mumbai-based Hanjer Biotech Energies Pvt Ltd and its directors for allegedly siphoning off a ₹135-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan, causing an estimated ₹93.44-crore loss to the bank. The agency registered an FIR on September 30 following a PNB complaint, charging the accused with criminal conspiracy, cheating, and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The bank alleged the loan was obtained against invoices from a related-party entity, with funds diverted for unauthorized purposes. On Friday, the CBI searched premises linked to the directors and seized bank and property documents. The investigation continues to determine the full extent of the conspiracy, identify all involved parties, and trace the ultimate use of the loan funds.