The case relates to the period when Samir Kumar was controller of printing and stationery department. Others who have been booked include P S Matharu, deputy controller, Parminder Singh, assistant controller and S K Latawa, deputy controller (finance and accounts).

The officials have been found to have indulged in criminal conspiracy to cause loss to the exchequer, tampering of records, violation of rules, norms and procedures, grave irregularities and gross misconduct in the procurement, printing and supply of ballot papers during the recent panchayat elections in the State.

According to an official spokesman, the investigations would be conducted by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police and thereport submitted within three months.

The State Government has also ordered vigilance probe by an officer not below the rank of SP into allegations of irregularities, harassment and alleged corruption in the purchase of green manure and seeds by the agriculture department and the Punjab Land Development and Reclamation Corporation.