Anticipatory bail plea of Congress MLA Devendra Yadav rejected by High Court in coal scam case

Raipur
In a significant development concerning the high-profile coal levy scam case in Chhattisgarh, the High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Congress MLA Devendra Yadav from Bhilai. The case was heard before Justice NK Vyas’s bench.
Earlier, the Raipur Special Court had also turned down Devendra Yadav’s plea for anticipatory bail. The court acknowledged his involvement in utilizing funds associated with the entire scam during electoral campaigns. Subsequently, the legislator sought relief from the High Court.
During the previous hearing, Devendra Yadav’s legal representatives argued that there was no concrete evidence linking him to any wrongdoing under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). They emphasized that mere acquaintance with individuals involved in the case doesn’t implicate him as a suspect under the PMLA.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed granting anticipatory bail during the proceedings, presenting evidence gathered during their investigation. Following arguments from all parties, the High Court reserved its judgment.
Furthermore, on March 2, when Devendra Yadav, Congress leader Vinod Tiwari, and RP Singh failed to appear in court, the Raipur Special Court issued a second bail warrant against them. All accused have been instructed to appear in court by March 27. Devendra Yadav had earlier filed an application to excuse his absence on March 2, which was ultimately dismissed by the Special Court after hearing both sides.
In the wake of the High Court’s decision, Devendra Yadav faces mounting challenges as he continues to be summoned before the Raipur Special Court. Legal experts speculate that the Raipur Special Court may issue a non-bailable warrant following the High Court’s decision, potentially leading to Devendra Yadav’s arrest.
In the ongoing coal scam case, several individuals, including Vinod Tiwari, Chandradev Rai, RP Singh, Roshan Singh, Piyush Sahu, Navneet Tiwari, Manish Upadhyay, and Narayan Sahu, have been named as accused. However, none except Rano Sahu and Nikhil Chandrakar have been arrested. Efforts are underway by the accused’s legal teams to secure bail.
The investigation into the coal levy scam, which amounts to Rs 540 crore, has led to the arrest of more than six individuals, including suspended IAS officer Rano Sahu, IAS Sameer Vishnoi, JD Mining SS Nag, and coal trader Suryakant Tiwari. They are currently in judicial remand.
This development sheds light on the extensive probe conducted by the Enforcement Directorate, revealing the magnitude of the coal scam and implicating several prominent figures, including political leaders and businessmen, in the case. The investigation continues to unfold as further evidence is examined.