Are ACB-EOW Raids Uncovering a Major DMF and Excise Scam in Chhattisgarh?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the ACB and EOW have raided over 20 locations in Chhattisgarh, targeting a multi-crore DMF and excise scam. This operation reveals deep-rooted corruption affecting local communities and the state's mining and liquor sectors. Will this be a turning point in the fight against corruption in Chhattisgarh?
Key Takeaways
- Over 20 locations raided in Chhattisgarh.
- Targeting multi-crore DMF and excise scams.
- Investigators are examining financial records and documents.
- Focus on irregularities during DMF supply periods.
- Over 200 corrupt officials apprehended in recent years.
Raipur, Nov 23 (NationPress) - The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) along with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) conducted coordinated raids at over 20 sites throughout Chhattisgarh on Sunday, aimed at exposing the purported multi-crore District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and excise frauds impacting the state's mining and liquor industries.
These operations, which extended from Raipur to Jagdalpur, have created turmoil within both governmental and business sectors, with residences and offices belonging to implicated officials, contractors, and entrepreneurs being sealed off for thorough investigations.
The latest raids follow previous actions, such as the EOW operations conducted in October at 14 locations across Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, and Rajnandgaon, where digital evidence revealed money trails benefiting a network of politicians and intermediaries.
The raids commenced at dawn, with teams from the ACB targeting a well-known businessman in Sargipal, located in Kondagaon district. The entire premises were secured under tight surveillance, and investigators meticulously examined documents, digital records, and financial ledgers for over two hours.
Similar operations were carried out in Bilaspur, Ambikapur, and other districts, where investigators confiscated hard drives, bank statements, and property documents believed to expose illicit dealings. Sources have described this operation as one of the most extensive statewide investigations into corruption, focusing on discrepancies in DMF allocations during 2019-20, when funds intended for mining-affected tribal communities—amounting to hundreds of crores—were reportedly embezzled through fraudulent tenders, inflated invoices, and kickbacks.
The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) requires mining companies to contribute up to one-third of their royalties for local welfare initiatives such as health, education, and infrastructure in mineral-rich regions.
Nevertheless, investigations have uncovered a collusion of officials and suppliers misappropriating these funds, leaving vulnerable communities deprived. Additionally, the excise fraud involves a ₹3,200 crore liquor syndicate operating from 2019 to 2023, where excise officials accumulated ₹88 crore in illegal assets through manipulated contracts and policies, including the contentious FL-10 licenses.
Over 200 corrupt officials have been apprehended in the last two years. In Raipur's Civil Lines, a former excise official's office revealed ledgers indicating unreported commissions. As forensic audits are ongoing, Chhattisgarh's anti-corruption framework shows no signs of leniency, aiming to recover misappropriated public funds and restore trust in governance.
Point of View
This investigation reflects an urgent need for accountability in governance. The actions taken by the ACB and EOW underscore the importance of transparency and integrity in public service. As these probes unfold, it is crucial for the nation to support efforts aimed at eliminating corruption and ensuring that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard.
NationPress
23/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the recent ACB and EOW raids in Chhattisgarh?
The raids were launched due to allegations of a multi-crore DMF and excise scam that had significant implications for the state's mining and liquor sectors.
How many locations were targeted during the raids?
The ACB and EOW conducted simultaneous raids at over 20 locations across Chhattisgarh.
What are the main focuses of the investigation?
The investigation primarily focuses on financial irregularities in DMF allocations and a significant excise scam involving a liquor syndicate.
What is the PMKKKY scheme?
The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana mandates mining firms to allocate a portion of their royalties for local welfare projects.
Have any arrests been made in connection to the raids?
Yes, over 200 corrupt officials have been arrested in the past two years as part of the ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
