Enforcement Directorate’s Raipur Zonal Office has escalated its efforts to combat corruption associated with the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Highway Project under the Bharatmala Scheme. Search operations were conducted at eight locations in Abhanpur, Raipur, Dhamtari, and Kurud in Chhattisgarh, leading to the seizure of Indian currency amounting to Rs 66.9 lakh, 37.13 kilograms of silver bricks and items, digital devices, and incriminating documents.
The investigation was initiated following an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing, Raipur, against Nirbhay Sahu, the former Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) of Abhanpur, and others. Allegations include the fraudulent acquisition of illegal compensation through collusion with government officials by manipulating land records related to the highway project.
According to the Enforcement Directorate, the accused, in connivance with certain public servants, illicitly obtained excess compensation by transferring land ownership even after the NHAI Raipur issued a notification under Section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956. Further manipulation involved creating multiple smaller land holdings before the Section 3D notification, leading to inflated payments based on modified Khasra records.
The seized cash, silver, and documents play a crucial role in tracing illicit financial transactions. This operation exposes how manipulation of land records can divert public funds designated for infrastructure development. The fraudulent practices uncovered in the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Highway Project have raised concerns about the transparency of the process, impacting its integrity.
The Enforcement Directorate has affirmed ongoing investigations, hinting at potential further revelations and arrests as the probe progresses. This case underscores the heightened vigilance of enforcement agencies against corruption in major infrastructure projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to combat financial misconduct that undermines public welfare.
