Chhattisgarh ACB and EOW Conduct Raids at 12 Sites; Expose Fraud in Tendu Leaf Bonus Scheme
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The ACB and EOW have unearthed a major embezzlement case regarding tendu leaf bonuses in Chhattisgarh, leading to raids at 12 locations, including the home of a former DFO, Ashok Kumar Patel. Substantial cash and documents were seized, revealing a significant fraud scheme affecting local collectors.
Key Takeaways
- ACB and EOW collaborated in uncovering a major fraud.
- Raids took place at 12 locations, including Patel's residence.
- Rs 26.63 lakh in cash and key documents were seized.
- Patel and associates misappropriated funds meant for collectors.
- Ongoing investigations target accountability and recovery of funds.
Raipur, April 10 (NationPress) The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), partnering with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), has recently revealed a substantial case of embezzlement tied to tendu leaf bonuses.
During their operations at 12 locations, which included the home of former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ashok Kumar Patel, investigators recovered Rs 26.63 lakh in cash, along with essential documents, mobile phones, electronic devices, and bank account information.
This initiative commenced after an FIR was filed on April 8, 2025, under section 409, 120 B of the Indian Penal Code. The focus was on a scam related to the 2021-2022 tendu leaf season, according to a press release.
Ashok Kumar Patel and his associates are accused of misappropriating a significant portion of the Rs 7 crore fund intended for bonuses for tendu leaf collectors.
Rather than distributing the funds as meant, officials allegedly conspired to keep a large portion for personal benefit, thus denying the collectors their deserved payments.
The investigation has uncovered incriminating evidence against Patel and his colleagues.
Notably, a considerable amount of Rs 26,63,700 in cash was found at the residence of Rajshekhar Puranik, an employee of the DFO office.
Legal actions have been initiated under accusations of criminal conspiracy and fraud, as the investigation continues to reveal the full scale of the corruption.
In addition to the embezzlement case, Ashok Kumar Patel is also under scrutiny for holding disproportionate assets.
A separate case against him was registered previously, prompting raids at his properties. This concurrent investigation into his unexplained wealth is ongoing, intensifying the examination of Patel's conduct.
The efforts of the ACB to combat corruption have exposed a high-profile scandal that underscores systemic issues in the distribution of funds.
As the investigations advance, authorities aim to ensure accountability and recover the embezzled funds to deliver justice to the affected tendu leaf collectors.
