The scope of compensation scam related to Bharatmala Project is continuously increasing in Chhattisgarh. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation so far has revealed that the total cost of this scam is more than Rs 100 crore. This figure is much more than the initial estimate of 35 to 40 crores. The investigation has now spread to more than 11 districts of the state.
It has become clear from the investigation that confidential information related to land acquisition had already been leaked to businessmen and middlemen. After this, these people bought land at low prices and in collusion with revenue officials manipulated government records so that the compensation amount could be increased manifold.
This is how a conspiracy was hatched
The investigation revealed that confidential information related to land acquisition was regularly leaked to businessmen and middlemen ahead of time. Based on this information, they purchased lands at very low prices and in collusion with revenue officials manipulated government documents so that they could get compensation many times more than the actual value of the land.
Now the then collectors and revenue officers of many districts have come under investigation. Allegations of taking huge commission in exchange for giving government approval have also come to light. On Thursday, ED raided 17 places including Raipur, Bhilai, Bilaspur and Korba. Investigating officers recovered 17 kg of gold, diamond jewelery worth approximately Rs 3 crore and huge amount of cash from the premises of bullion businessman Vivek Aggarwal.
Gold and cash recovered
On Thursday, ED conducted raids at 17 places across the state, including Raipur, Bhilai, Bilaspur and Korba. According to reports, during the raids conducted in Bilaspur, an amount of more than Rs 50 lakh has been recovered from an aide of a Congress party leader, according to reports from Ambikapur.
EOW has already arrested 10 accused in this case and is preparing to file the charge sheet. ED is now investigating aspects related to money laundering in this case. In connection with this case, the then Collector and Revenue Officer of the concerned districts have now come under investigation.
Many secrets are expected to be revealed
The case related to a businessman from Dhamtari has also intensified. He is accused of getting compensation of about Rs 100 crore by purchasing land in the name of farmers. The mobile phones of the suspects are currently being examined closely. In the coming days, these digital evidences are expected to reveal the secrets of many well-known personalities from bureaucratic and political circles. ED investigation is going on in Raipur, Dhamtari, Kanker, Kondagaon, Bastar, Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh, Jashpur, Surguja, Durg and Rajnandgaon.
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