EOW and ACB launched massive raids across Chhattisgarh in connection with the Bharatmala land acquisition scam. Suspended Patwari and several high-ranking officials are under investigation for alleged embezzlement of over ₹43 crore in compensation payouts
Major Raids in Bharatmala Project Scam: Suspended Patwari and Multiple Officials Under EOW Scanner
In a significant crackdown early Friday morning, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) jointly conducted surprise raids across various locations in Chhattisgarh. The operations began around 6 AM and targeted more than 17 government officials, including the already suspended Patwari, Lekhram Dewangan.
These raids are linked to the high-profile Bharatmala Project land acquisition scam, where over ₹43 crore in compensation funds allegedly went into wrong hands through manipulation and forgery. Reports suggest that officials, in collusion with brokers, falsely inflated land values and fabricated documents to claim hefty compensation amounts under the pretext of acquisition for the Visakhapatnam-Raipur economic corridor.
Investigation Triggered by Assembly Uproar
Following a heated discussion in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, an FIR was lodged, prompting the EOW to initiate a full-fledged probe. Investigators found that land was illegally divided in backdated entries, and fake ownership documents were generated to claim exaggerated compensations.
Key Officials Named in the Probe:
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Former SDM Nirbhay Sahu
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Tehsildar Shashikant Kurre
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Naib Tehsildar Lakheshwar Prasad Kiran
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Patwaris Jitendra Sahu and Lekhram Dewangan
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Officials Dinesh Patel, Vijay Jain, Harmeet Singh, Manjeet Singh, Ashish Das, Uma Tiwari, Kedar Tiwari, and Roshan Verma
Many of these officials have already been suspended.
Multi-District Raids from Raipur to Bhilai
Raids were conducted not only in Raipur but also in regions such as Abhanpur, Arang, Durg, and Bhilai. Residences and offices of SDMs, Tehsildars, Patwaris, and revenue inspectors were thoroughly searched for incriminating documents and digital evidence.
Previous Suspensions and Delayed Action
Notably, Deputy Collector Shashikant Kurre (Korba) and former Municipal Commissioner Nirbhay Sahu (Jagdalpur) were suspended earlier for their alleged involvement. Although internal reports had flagged their roles months ago, disciplinary action was delayed.
What is the Bharatmala Project Scam?
The scam revolves around land acquisition for the Bharatmala Pariyojana – a mega infrastructure initiative that includes the Visakhapatnam–Raipur Economic Corridor. Investigations revealed that fraudulent documentation was used to inflate land values and siphon off compensation funds.
As the raids continue, more shocking revelations are expected to emerge, indicating a larger network of corruption at play in this multi-crore scam.
