3 hours agoCrime
74LENS
2 SourcesChandigarh, India
thebalanced.newsED Investigates Rs 645 Crore IDFC First Bank Scam Involving Shell Companies
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a Rs 645 crore scam involving alleged embezzlement and laundering of government funds through IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank. Former branch manager Ribhav Rishi and ex-relationship manager Abhay Kumar are accused of controlling shell companies that diverted around Rs 203 crore to third parties, including jewellers, in exchange for cash. The ED has sought extended custody of Rishi for further interrogation, while Kumar has been sent to judicial custody. The case involves complex transactions linked to Haryana government and Chandigarh Administration accounts.
Political Bias
0%100%0%
Sentiment
28%
AI Analysis
Political bias across 2 sources
● Left 0%● Center 100%● Right 0%
The articles primarily present the Enforcement Directorate's perspective on the investigation without political commentary. They focus on legal proceedings and allegations against bank officials, reflecting a law enforcement viewpoint. There is no evident political framing or partisan interpretation, and the coverage centers on judicial processes and factual claims by the ED.
Sentiment — Negative (28/100)
The tone across the articles is neutral and factual, emphasizing the ongoing investigation and legal actions. The language is formal and restrained, avoiding emotive or sensational expressions. The coverage highlights allegations and procedural developments without expressing judgment or speculation, resulting in a balanced and objective sentiment.
How 2 sources covered this story
Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.
| Source | Their headline | Bias | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| indianexpress | Rs 203 crore diverted to shell firm, routed to jewellers: ED tells court in IDFC First Bank scam case | Center | Negative |
| thetribune | IDFC First-AU Bank scam: ED seeks 4-day custody of mastermind Ribhav Rishi - The Tribune | Center | Negative |
Coverage timeline
thetribune broke this story on 21 May, 09:08 am. Other outlets followed.
- 1thetribune21 May, 09:08 amIDFC First-AU Bank scam: ED seeks 4-day custody of mastermind Ribhav Rishi - The Tribune
- 2indianexpress21 May, 07:45 pmRs 203 crore diverted to shell firm, routed to jewellers: ED tells court in IDFC First Bank scam case
Lens Score breakdown
74/100
Public interest64/100
Coverage gap100%
Significant story being underreported by mainstream media relative to its public importance.
Accountability flags
TBN's analysis identified the following accountability dimensions in this story.
- financial irregularity
This story involves alleged financial misconduct — unexplained transactions, procurement irregularities, or misuse of public/shareholder funds.
- abuse of power
This story involves alleged misuse of official authority or institutional position to achieve personal or political ends.
- cover up attempted
This story involves evidence of information being withheld, records altered, or facts suppressed by the parties involved.
Who's involved
Institutions and figures named across source coverage.
Government
Chandigarh AdministrationHaryana Government
Corporate
SRR Planning Gurus Private LimitedCapco Fintech ServicesAU Small Finance BankRS TradersSwastik Desh ProjectsIDFC First Bank
Enforcement
Enforcement Directorate
Judiciary
Special PMLA CourtSpecial Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering ActCourt of Additional District and Sessions Judge Vijayant Sehgal
Story context
- Category
- Crime
- Location
- Chandigarh, India
- Sources analysed
- 2
- Last analysed
- 21 May 2026
- Key entities
- Enforcement DirectorateIDFC First BankCroreChandigarhPrevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002EmbezzlementIndian rupeePanchkulaFintechGovernment of HaryanaKnow your customerPrivately held company
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