Investigation into Rs 220 Crore Scam in Bharatmala Project Intensifies, EOW Raids 20 Locations
Raipur >>
In light of suspected large-scale corruption in compensation distribution under the high-profile Bharatmala project in Chhattisgarh, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) launched a major crackdown on Friday morning. Simultaneous raids were conducted in multiple districts, including Raipur, Nava Raipur, Abhanpur, Durg-Bhilai, and Arang. The EOW operation targeted over 20 locations, including the premises of then Abhanpur SDM Nirbhay Sahu, then Tehsildar Shashikant Kurre, and 17 to 20 other officials and employees.
The EOW teams began scanning documents related to compensation disbursal, banking transactions, land acquisition records, and files of suspicious financial dealings. According to preliminary reports, evidence of suspicious transactions worth Rs 164 crore has already surfaced, and the total scam amount may reach Rs 220 crore.
Scam Grows from Rs 43 Crore to Rs 220 Crore
Initial investigations revealed that some government officials, in collusion with land mafias and influential individuals, fraudulently claimed compensation of about Rs 43 crore using fake documents and false information. With further investigation, the amount is now estimated to potentially reach Rs 220 crore.
The EOW has been seriously probing the case for the past two months and has now launched major action. Many documents have already been seized, and questioning of suspects has begun.
Opposition Leader Charandas Mahant Demanded CBI Probe
During the 2025 Budget Session of the State Assembly, Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant had raised the issue forcefully. On March 6, 2025, he wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, demanding a CBI inquiry. In his letter, Mahant stated that state agencies had limitations and only the CBI could ensure a fair and impartial probe.
CM Vishnudev Sai Handed Over Probe to EOW
Following the opposition’s allegations, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai decided in a cabinet meeting to hand over the investigation to the EOW, considering the seriousness of the issue. The government stated that strict action would be taken against the guilty, no matter how high-ranking they may be.
What is the Bharatmala Compensation Scam?
Under the Bharatmala project of the Government of India, a 950-kilometre road from Raipur to Visakhapatnam is under construction. The plan includes a four-lane road from Raipur to Visakhapatnam and a six-lane road from Durg to Arang. For this ambitious project, large-scale land acquisition was carried out, including agricultural land owned by farmers.
While compensation was supposed to be given to affected landowners, the investigation has revealed that officials colluded with land mafias to fraudulently claim compensation for lands that were either already government-owned or had very low market value. Compensation was distributed in violation of rules.
Compensation Under Land Acquisition Act 2013
As per the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, if a beneficiary’s land worth Rs 5 lakh is acquired, an additional Rs 5 lakh must be paid as solatium, totaling Rs 10 lakh. For land worth Rs 10 lakh, the compensation should amount to Rs 20 lakh, including the solatium.
However, the rules were misused, and officials created fake beneficiaries and paid them hefty sums, misappropriating public funds.
How Was the Fraud Carried Out?
The investigation uncovered that compensation was given to individuals who did not own any land or whose land was outside the project area. In some cases, a single piece of land was split and claimed multiple times under different names. Government-owned lands were also shown as private properties and falsely acquired for the project, resulting in crores of rupees being paid fraudulently.
Many officials and employees across districts are suspected of manipulating land valuation, map approvals, and payment records to benefit ineligible individuals.
EOW Raids Create Panic
The EOW’s raids have caused panic within the administrative ranks. Most of the officials whose residences and offices were raided were directly involved in the land acquisition process. Their bank accounts, property papers, transaction records, and mobile phones have been seized.
Sources say the EOW is now identifying others involved in the scam, including names of close associates of politicians and influential individuals.
Political Blame Game Begins
The scam has sparked a war of words between the ruling party and the opposition. The Congress accused the government of conducting a superficial probe to shield the real culprits. On the other hand, BJP leaders stated that the government would not spare anyone and strict action would be taken against all found guilty.
More Arrests Likely in Next Phase
The EOW’s actions are considered just the beginning. Officials say more arrests are expected after completing document analysis, and some officials may also be suspended.
The compensation scam under the Bharatmala project once again highlights how deeply corruption can run in major infrastructure schemes. If the EOW conducts an impartial and thorough investigation, this case could set a precedent. The key question now is how swiftly the investigation progresses and when justice is served.
