Did ED Uncover a Major Land Compensation Scam in the Bharatmala Highway Project?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, the Enforcement Directorate has unveiled significant findings regarding a land compensation scam linked to the Bharatmala Highway Project. Raids conducted in Chhattisgarh have led to the discovery of alleged fraudulent activities involving government officials and inflated compensation claims, raising serious concerns about transparency in public projects.
Key Takeaways
- The ED conducted raids uncovering a significant land compensation scam in Chhattisgarh.
- Fraudulent activities involved collusion between government officials and private individuals.
- Cash amounting to Rs. 40 lakh was seized, along with incriminating documents.
- The ongoing investigation aims to trace the full extent of the proceeds of crime.
- This case raises important questions about transparency in public projects.
Raipur, Dec 31 (NationPress) In a startling development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the Raipur Zonal Office has disclosed crucial insights following searches conducted on December 29 across various sites in Raipur and Mahasamund districts of Chhattisgarh.
The operations aimed to investigate alleged illicit compensation payments for land acquisition pertaining to the ambitious Raipur-Visakhapatnam Highway Project, which is part of the government's Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative.
The ED has embarked on a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, triggered by an FIR lodged by the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offences Wing (ACB/EOW).
The case revolves around allegations against former Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Nirbhay Sahu from Abhanpur, Raipur, private individual Harmeet Singh Khanuja, and several others.
They stand accused of conspiring with governmental officials to fabricate records and unjustly obtain inflated compensation, as per a statement from the investigation agency.
Investigations have revealed a complex scheme wherein the accused divided larger land parcels into smaller holdings through backdated entries.
This manipulation exploited compensation regulations, enabling the intentional division of large land parcels among relatives and associates prior to acquisition.
Reportedly, revenue records were altered to claim higher compensation, resulting in the authorization and distribution of excessive illegal sums.
Allegations suggest that these funds were funneled to private beneficiaries, causing wrongful losses to the government treasury and corresponding unlawful profits for the accused.
During the raids targeting residences linked to key suspects, ED teams seized cash totaling Rs. 40 lakh, along with digital devices and various incriminating documents.
Moreover, numerous movable and immovable assets acquired in the names of those involved—derived from proceeds of crime produced from the scheduled offence—were identified.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship infrastructure initiative, aims to create economic corridors like the Raipur-Visakhapatnam stretch to enhance connectivity and lower logistics expenses. However, prior investigations by state agencies had flagged anomalies, including the embezzlement of crores through similar methods, leading to the ED’s involvement.
The agency has stated that further investigations are ongoing to trace the full extent of the proceeds of crime and to attach additional assets.
This action highlights the increasing scrutiny of transparency in extensive public projects involving land acquisition.
Point of View
This investigation by the ED underscores the persistent issues of corruption and lack of transparency in significant public projects. The findings not only reflect on the efficiency of government oversight but also raise questions about the integrity of public servants. As a nation, we must demand accountability and address the systemic issues that allow such fraud to thrive.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bharatmala Pariyojana?
The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a flagship infrastructure initiative by the Indian government aimed at developing economic corridors to enhance connectivity and reduce logistics costs.
What allegations are against the individuals involved?
The individuals are accused of colluding with government officials to manipulate records and fraudulently obtain inflated compensation for land acquisition.
What measures is the ED taking in this case?
The ED is conducting a money laundering investigation, seizing assets, and tracing the proceeds of crime related to the alleged scam.
How much cash was seized during the raids?
The ED teams seized cash amounting to Rs. 40 lakh during the raids at the residences of key suspects.
What does this indicate about public project transparency?
This incident highlights the growing scrutiny of transparency in large-scale public projects and the necessity for stringent oversight to prevent corruption.
