Chhattisgarh: ED seeks action against bureaucrats for alleged graft

In separate letters dated March 23, ED said Chhattisgarh may initiate an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Saumya Chauraisa and Sameer Vishnoi

Updated on: Mar 31, 2023, 13:44:33 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has written to the heads of the Chhattisgarh Police and Economic Offence Wing (EOW) for action against Saumya Chauraisa, a former deputy secretary in chief minister Bupesh Baghel’s office, and another bureaucrat Sameer Vishnoi under the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with the alleged scam related to illegal levies on coal.

Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh withdrew general consent to the CBI for probing cases in 2019. (Twitter)

The agency transfers cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). But Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh withdrew general consent to the CBI for probing cases in 2019.

The ED has alleged a cartel of bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians, and middlemen imposed illegal levies of ₹25 per tonne on coal transported in the state. The cartel allegedly ran a“parallel system of extorting illegal levy and generated about ₹2-3 crore daily”.

The ED arrested Vishnoi and Chaurasia last year under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. It alleged Chaurasia’s WhatsApp chats showed she was sharing all the government’s confidential information with the scam “kingpin” Suryakant Tiwari.

In separate letters dated March 23, ED cited the alleged scam and added Chhattisgarh may take cognisance and initiate an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vishnoi and other government officials allegedly involved in it, citing the incriminating materials it has provided.

“...FIR [First Information Report] may be registered against Vishnoi as well as another public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act...properties...(both movable and immovable) may be seized as per the provisions contained in Section 13 of Chhattisgarh Special Courts Act...”

EOW director DM Awasthi did not take calls for comments despite several attempts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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