ACB–EOW Raids 20 Locations in Chhattisgarh; Ex-Excise Commissioner’s Residence, Former MLA’s Grandson’s House Searched
Raipur
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) teams conducted simultaneous raids at nearly 20 locations across Chhattisgarh on Sunday morning, expanding their probe into alleged irregularities in the Excise Department and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
The raids were carried out in Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, Kondagaon, Ambikapur, and Dhamtari.
Key Locations Targeted
- In Bhilai (Durg), teams searched the residence of Niranjan Das, former Excise Commissioner, examining crucial documents.
- In Dhamtari, the house of Ketan Doshi (grandson of former MLA Jaya Ben Doshi) located in Mahalaxmi Greens was searched for nearly four hours; several documents were seized.
- In Raipur, officials raided the residence of Harpal Arora, a businessman and supplier, in Law Vista Colony.
- The house of Chitranjan Das, brother of Niranjan Das, was searched in Maitri Sangh, Jagdalpur with security personnel deployed outside.
- In Bilaspur, residences of Ashok Tuteja (brother of retired IAS Anil Tuteja) in Dayalband and Jagmal Chowk were searched as part of the ongoing liquor and DMF scam investigation.
- In Kondagaon, premises linked to businessman Konark Jain, who handled DMF supply work (2019–20), were raided.
- In Sarguja (Ambikapur), the homes of Dr. Tanveer Ahmed (Veterinary Doctor) and supplier Amit Agrawal were searched for financial records and departmental files.
- In Balrampur, action was taken at businessman Manoj Agrawal’s residence, a DMF supplier; the house near the bus stand was locked during document examination.
DMF Scam Investigation
This is the second major action by ACB–EOW recently. Earlier, on 29 October, joint teams raided 14 locations linked to DMF suppliers.
The case has been registered under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) based on a report by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Key Facts of the Alleged Scam
- Financial Irregularities: Large-scale discrepancies in DMF tender allocations in Korba, causing unlawful gains to beneficiaries.
- Commission Payments: Contractors allegedly paid 25% – 40% commission to officials and political leaders; bribe amounts were masked as accommodation entries.
- Seizures: ED recovered ₹76.50 lakh cash, froze eight bank accounts with ₹35 lakh, and seized fake firm stamps, digital devices, and other incriminating items.
- Previous Attachments: ED earlier attached assets worth ₹23.79 crore belonging to 10 accused, including suspended IAS Ranu Sahu, Maya Warrior, and Manoj Kumar Dwivedi.
The DMF is a State Government trust meant to support people affected by mining activities across Chhattisgarh.
Earlier Action on Revenue Officials
ACB–EOW also took action against revenue officials promoted from Patwari to Revenue Inspector (RI). Raids occurred at 19 locations across seven districts, including Raipur, Bilaspur, and Durg, following complaints of irregular selections and illegal asset accumulation.
