NAN Scam: FIR Filed Against Shukla, Tuteja, Verma for Alleged Probe Interference, CBI Hints at More Arrests
Raipur
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against three senior officials in connection with the Chhattisgarh Nagrik Apurti Nigam (NAN) scam, alleging attempts to influence the investigation and tamper with evidence.
Those named in the FIR include former School Education Secretary Dr Alok Shukla, former Joint Secretary Anil Tuteja, and former Advocate General Satish Chandra Verma.
On Friday, the CBI conducted searches at Anil Tuteja’s residence in Raipur and another undisclosed location. Officials reportedly recovered several incriminating documents during the raids, which are currently under scrutiny.
The CBI alleges that all three officials are accused of tampering with evidence and attempting to pressure witnesses. The agency indicated that more names could surface as the investigation progresses. It also stated that the role of other officers and employees who allegedly tried to obstruct the probe is under investigation. The CBI has taken over the case initially registered by the state’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and is conducting a fresh investigation.
Abuse of Power Alleged
The CBI alleges that the officials misused their positions and influence to interfere with actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and EOW-Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in the NAN case. Digital evidence seized earlier by the Income Tax Department reportedly indicates efforts to weaken the investigation.
Alleged Favour to Verma
Preliminary CBI findings also suggest that efforts were made to provide undue benefits to then Advocate General Satish Chandra Verma. The accused allegedly sought anticipatory bail for themselves and persuaded officers in the Economic Offences Wing to manipulate documents.
What is the NAN Scam?
The NAN scam surfaced in February 2015 when the ACB and EOW jointly raided 25 premises of the Nagrik Apurti Nigam (Civil Supplies Corporation), the nodal agency responsible for the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Chhattisgarh.
The raids led to the seizure of ₹3.64 crore in cash. Multiple samples of rice and salt collected during the operation were tested and found to be of substandard quality and unfit for human consumption.
How the Scandal Unfolded
According to the FIR filed by the EOW, Dr Alok Shukla and Anil Tuteja allegedly used their influence to gain undue advantage through then Advocate General Satish Chandra Verma. Their alleged aim was to motivate Verma to misuse his official position to manipulate government proceedings.
Subsequently, they allegedly conspired with senior EOW officers to alter procedural documents and internal information. The intent behind these alterations was reportedly to prepare a favourable response in a case (Crime No. 09/2015) against the Civil Supplies Corporation to secure anticipatory bail in the High Court.
Sections Invoked in the FIR
The FIR, registered by the Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing, includes charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018—Sections 7, 7A, 8, and 13(2)—and various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 182, 211, 193, 195A, 166A, and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
