Panchkula, June 26 -- The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought judicial custody of 2000-batch IAS officer Pankaj Agarwal in a Panchkula court on Thursday.

The agency told the court that Agarwal wields considerable influence over key witnesses and subordinate officials connected to the conspiracy. The case involves his alleged role in the misappropriation of Rs.504 crore in Haryana government funds across multiple departments at IDFC First Bank's Sector 32 branch in Chandigarh.

The agency submitted that there was a real and credible apprehension that, if released, he could win over, intimidate, or otherwise improperly influence witnesses.

Agarwal was arrested on June 22 and was sent to two-day CBI custody. According to the CBI, ...