ED had started investigation in this case on the basis of FIR registered by ACB/EOW of Chhattisgarh. The FIR pertained to large-scale irregularities and fraud in the distribution of compensation for land acquired for the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor Project under the Bharatmala Project.
The ED investigation revealed that Jayaprakash Gandhi, in connivance with his family members and some government employees, had acquired land falling within the notified highway alignment and later divided it into small pieces measuring less than 500 square metres. It is alleged that the land was divided with the sole intention of obtaining increased compensation from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The investigation further revealed that by adopting the above fraudulent means, the accused and his family members obtained compensation of approximately Rs 9.83 crore, against the amount legitimately due (which was only Rs 56.76 lakh). Thus, they generated ‘proceeds of crime’ worth approximately Rs 9.27 crore. The investigation has further revealed that this ‘property acquired from crime’ was later hidden and mixed into the mainstream by investing in shares, mutual funds and other financial instruments.
Earlier, on April 28, the ED had conducted search operations at various premises in Raipur, Abhanpur and Dhamtari districts in this case. During this period, incriminating documents, digital devices and other evidence related to fraudulent acquisition of compensation were recovered and confiscated.
The arrested accused was produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Raipur, which granted three days’ ED custody of the accused. Investigation is ongoing in this matter. Along with this, the role of other beneficiaries, middlemen and government employees involved in the conspiracy is being investigated.
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