Panchkula, July 3 -- IAS officer Pardeep Kumar, the then member secretary of the HSPCB, was sent to judicial custody at Central Jail, Ambala, on Thursday after the completion of his two-day CBI remand in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rs.169.35 crore from the HSPCB's account at IDFC First Bank's Sector 32, Chandigarh branch. While producing Pardeep before the special CBI court in Panchkula, the agency sought judicial custody, stating that if released, he could influence subordinate officials and key witnesses, tamper with evidence, and obstruct the ongoing investigation. The CBI alleged that Pardeep remained non-cooperative during questioning, withheld material information, and had deleted crucial digital evidence. It submitted that further investigation is underway to trace the misappropriated government funds, recover the proceeds of crime, and identify other beneficiaries and public servants allegedly involved in the fraud. The CBI also informed the court that during his custody, Pardeep was confronted with digital and documentary evidence relating to his alleged role in opening and operating bank accounts, investing surplus government funds in IDFC First Bank, his meetings with co-accused, and his functioning as member secretary of the HSPCB....