Raipur
The EOW has arrested Rakesh Kumar Jain in connection with the illegal coal levy collection case, where he allegedly funnelled over RS 50 crore collected through the scam. Jain was apprehended on 11 December 2025, as part of the investigation into FIR No. 03/2024, registered under Sections 7, 7(A), 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and Sections 120B, 384, and 420 of the Indian Penal Code.
The investigation revealed that the accused used a network of shell companies as part of a criminal conspiracy to launder the illegal coal levy collections. He reportedly facilitated layering transactions worth crores of rupees. At the instruction of other accused involved in the crime, the illegal levy amount was also sent through the hawala route. Jain received a commission for his role in transferring the illegally collected money.
According to the EOW, Jain facilitated the movement of over RS 50 crore of illegal levy funds. He allegedly routed the money through shell companies, disguising it as payments for notional and fake expenses. The money was then withdrawn in cash and delivered to the main accused in the coal levy scam, Suryakant Tiwari.
Facts also emerged that Jain was involved in converting scam-generated funds into “pakka” (legitimate/white) money via entries for Anwar Dhebar, an accused in a liquor case. This line of investigation is currently ongoing.
The accused created over a dozen companies in his own name and his brother-in-law’s name, which were used to carry out these activities. He also utilised companies set up in the names of his contacts and employees to execute the transactions.
Jain has a history of involvement in cheating cases and was absconding for a long time. Cases were registered against him at Kotwali Police Station (FIR Nos. 325/22 and 346/23) and Moudhapara Police Station (FIR No. 252/22) in Raipur.
Jain was produced before the Honourable Special Court (PC Act), Raipur, on 12 December 2025. The Honourable Court granted a police remand until 19 December 2025. Interrogation and collection of evidence are underway as part of the ongoing investigation.
