Raipur
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at nine locations across Raipur and Mahasamund in connection with the alleged Bharatmala project compensation scam. The central agency targeted premises linked to land broker Harmit Singh Khanuja, his associates, and several government officials.
The operation, which began early on Monday morning, saw seven separate teams of the federal agency scrutinising documents and digital devices. In Mahasamund, an ED team arrived in two vehicles to search the Basant Colony residence of Jashbir Singh Bagga, a prominent businessman and owner of a Honda showroom.
The Bharatmala compensation irregularities
The probe pertains to the construction of a 950-km road under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, connecting Raipur to Visakhapatnam. The project includes a four-lane road from Raipur to Visakhapatnam and a six-lane stretch from Durg to Arang.
While the government acquired land from numerous farmers for the corridor, several legitimate landowners have reportedly been denied their dues. The scam involves allegations that revenue officials, including former SDM Nirbhay Sahu, colluded with land mafias and brokers to disburse inflated compensation.
Key findings and previous action
Loss to exchequer: While initial estimates by the state’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) suggested a loss of approximately ₹32 crore, Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant has alleged in the Assembly that the irregularities exceed ₹350 crore.
Modus operandi: Investigators found that accused individuals created backdated forged documents to divide land ownership, allowing for multiple or inflated compensation claims.
Suspensions: In March 2025, the state government suspended then-SDM Nirbhay Kumar Sahu, two tehsildars, and three patwaris following a preliminary probe.
The EOW has already filed a chargesheet against 10 individuals, including Khanuja and two public servants. The ED is now investigating the money laundering aspect of the case to trace the proceeds of the crime and identify the final beneficiaries of the siphoned funds.
