Former CSMCL MD Arunpati Tripathi arrested in Rs 172-crore overtime payment scam
Raipur: The State Economic Offences Investigation Bureau (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Raipur, have arrested former Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL) Managing Director Arunpati Tripathi in connection with the alleged overtime payment scam involving illegal disbursements exceeding Rs 172 crore.
Tripathi was arrested on July 17, 2026, in connection with Crime No. 44/2024, registered under Sections 7(b) and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended by the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018), along with Sections 467, 468, 471 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
According to the EOW-ACB, the case originated after officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Raipur Zonal Office seized Rs 28.80 lakh in cash from three individuals on November 29, 2023, and informed the Chhattisgarh government for further action. Based on the information, an FIR was registered by the bureau.
The investigation allegedly revealed that between the Financial Years 2019-20 and 2023-24, more than Rs 172 crore was illegally paid to manpower agencies in the name of employees’ overtime wages, payment for four additional working days, bonuses, and service charges. Investigators alleged that a substantial portion of the amount was siphoned off by a syndicate in the form of cash commissions.
The bureau said it has already filed a charge sheet against 12 accused before the competent court in the case.
Tripathi was produced before a Special Court in Raipur on Saturday, which remanded him to police custody until July 20, 2026. Investigating officials said his custodial interrogation is expected to yield further crucial evidence. The investigation into the alleged scam is continuing.
