ED arrests CGPSC ex-chairman Sonwani in paper leak, PMLA case
Synopsis
The ED has arrested former CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani, alleging he orchestrated a question-paper leak and manipulated exam results to place his own relatives in posts like Deputy Collector — and that recruitment rules were quietly amended in 2021 to remove 'nephew' from the definition of 'family' to make it possible.
Key Takeaways
Taman Singh Sonwani , former Chairman of the CGPSC , was arrested by the ED on 25 July under the PMLA, 2002 .
The Special Court (PMLA), Raipur remanded him to ED custody for seven days , until 30 July .
The case involves alleged corruption, question-paper leak, and manipulation of CGPSC State Service Examinations held in 2020 and 2021 .
Sonwani allegedly conspired to secure fraudulent appointments to posts including Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police .
CGPSC recruitment rules were allegedly amended in 2021 to remove 'nephew' from the 'family' definition, reportedly facilitating selection of Sonwani's relatives.
Proceeds of crime were allegedly collected in cash and routed through layered banking transactions; further investigation is ongoing.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED)'s Raipur Zonal Office has arrested Taman Singh Sonwani, former Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), in connection with a case of corruption, question-paper leak, and manipulation of CGPSC State Service Examinations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Sonwani was taken into custody on 25 July and subsequently produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Raipur, which remanded him to ED custody for seven days until 30 July.
Background and Basis of Investigation
The ED launched its probe on the basis of a First Information Report registered by the Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB), Raipur, and a subsequent investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The case centres on alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption in the conduct of CGPSC State Service Examinations held during 2020 and 2021.
What Investigators Allege
According to the ED, Sonwani allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy with other public servants and private individuals while serving as CGPSC Chairman. The alleged objective was to leak question papers and manipulate the selection process in exchange for illegal gratification, enabling the fraudulent appointment of his own relatives and other favoured candidates to senior government posts — including those of Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Investigators further allege that the CGPSC recruitment rules were amended in 2021 to remove the word 'nephew' from the definition of 'family', a change that, according to the ED, facilitated the selection of Sonwani's relatives. This alleged rule manipulation adds a layer of institutional subversion to what is already a multi-agency criminal case.
Money Trail and Sonwani's Conduct
The ED stated that proceeds of crime were collected partly in cash and partly routed through layered banking transactions. In his statement recorded under Section 50 of the PMLA, 2002, Sonwani reportedly gave evasive and non-cooperative replies and suppressed material facts, according to the agency. The ED has cited the need to trace the proceeds of crime, establish the money trail, and identify other individuals involved in the alleged racket as grounds for his arrest.
What Happens Next
Sonwani remains in ED custody until 30 July, with further investigation ongoing. The case is being heard before the Special Court (PMLA), Raipur. Given that the probe spans CBI, EOW/ACB, and ED, additional arrests or charge-sheets targeting other alleged co-conspirators cannot be ruled out as the money trail is established.
Point of View
Because it points to institutional capture rather than individual misconduct alone. If proven, it suggests the examination machinery itself was reengineered to serve private interests. The convergence of EOW/ACB, CBI, and ED on a single state-level exam scam also signals that central agencies view this as a systemic rot, not an isolated act. The real accountability question is how far up the chain the conspiracy ran — and whether those who approved the rule amendment are also in the frame.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Taman Singh Sonwani and why has he been arrested?
Taman Singh Sonwani is the former Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC). He was arrested by the ED on 25 July under the PMLA, 2002, on allegations of corruption, question-paper leak, and manipulation of CGPSC State Service Examinations conducted in 2020 and 2021.
What is the CGPSC paper leak case about?
The case alleges that Sonwani, while serving as CGPSC Chairman, conspired with public servants and private individuals to leak question papers and rig the selection process in exchange for illegal gratification. The alleged aim was to secure fraudulent appointments for his relatives and favoured candidates to senior posts including Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police.
How long is Sonwani in ED custody?
The Special Court (PMLA), Raipur remanded Sonwani to ED custody for seven days from the date of his arrest on 25 July, keeping him in custody until 30 July. Further proceedings will depend on the court's orders thereafter.
What is the significance of the 2021 amendment to CGPSC recruitment rules?
According to the ED, the CGPSC recruitment rules were amended in 2021 to remove the word 'nephew' from the definition of 'family'. Investigators allege this change was deliberate and facilitated the selection of Sonwani's relatives, adding a dimension of institutional manipulation to the case.
Which agencies are investigating the CGPSC scam?
The investigation involves multiple agencies: the Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB), Raipur, which registered the original FIR; the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which conducted a subsequent probe; and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), which is now pursuing the money-laundering angle under the PMLA.
