Anwar Dhebar to remain behind bars; HC says economic offences threaten nation’s economy
Raipur: The High Court of Chhattisgarh has rejected the bail plea of businessman Anwar Dhebar in connection with the alleged manpower supply scam linked to the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), observing that economic offences are “well-planned conspiracies” that pose a serious threat to society and the nation’s economy.
The case relates to alleged irregularities in the disbursement of overtime payments to employees of CSMCL. During the investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), cash amounting to ₹28.80 lakh was recovered. Subsequently, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case involving allegations of corruption and fraud in the release of overtime payments.
According to the prosecution, Dhebar used his political influence to interfere in the functioning and financial decisions of the corporation. The investigation alleged that bills of private manpower supply agencies were cleared only after payment of a fixed commission. Probe findings further stated that the commission amount, initially charged at a fixed rate, was later increased to one-third or more of the bill value on Dhebar’s instructions. Investigators also alleged that directions were issued to intensify illegal collections in the name of elections.
Former officials of the corporation and certain private individuals have been accused of acting as intermediaries, allegedly collecting money from agencies and delivering it to Dhebar. On November 29, 2023, the ED allegedly caught employees of Eagle Hunter Solutions while they were paying a bribe of ₹28.80 lakh. Dhebar was arrested on February 23, 2026, on the basis of evidence gathered during the operation.
In his petition before the High Court, Dhebar alleged political vendetta and claimed he was being falsely implicated. He argued that repeated FIRs were being registered in the same matter to ensure the “evergreening” of his custody and prevent his release from jail. The state government opposed the bail plea during the hearing.
Rejecting the application, the High Court observed that relief cannot be granted merely because no direct recovery was made from the accused or because the accused is influential. The court said that cases involving the alleged siphoning of public money and loss to the state exchequer require judicial vigilance. It further observed that such economic offences not only weaken the country’s financial structure but also erode public faith in the system of governance.
The court identified Dhebar as the alleged main conspirator and beneficiary of the scam, noting that the preliminary investigation had yielded substantial material against him.
