IDFC First Bank Returns ₹583 Cr But Shares Struggle
Swift Repayment Made: IDFC First Bank paid ₹583 crore principal plus interest to Haryana govt within 24 hours after detecting ₹590 crore fraud at Chandigarh branch.
Employee Collusion Suspected: Preliminary findings show branch employees fraudulently cleared forged instruments, potentially colluding with external parties. Four employees suspended, FIR registered under Prevention of Corruption Act.
Why Shares Aren't Rising:
Despite repayment, ICICI Securities cut target 18% to ₹80, downgraded to 'Add'. Fraud points to internal control gaps, risks government business prospects.
Financial Impact Manageable: ₹590 crore equals 1.3% net worth, 19 bps of risk-weighted assets. Worst-case provisioning would hit Q4 FY26 profit 56%. Bank has ₹165 crore contingent provisions.
De-Empanelment Risk:
Haryana de-empaneled bank from government business. Government deposits constitute 8-10% total deposits. Incident clouds future float and fee income from state contracts.