The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at nine locations in Raipur and Mahasamund districts in Chhattisgarh early this morning. The raids are part of a money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in compensation payments for land acquisition under the Bharatmala Project. Teams targeted premises linked to private individuals, their associates, and certain government officials.
Officials are examining financial records and documents at the sites, with searches ongoing throughout the day in collaboration with local police. Previous investigations by state agencies revealed complaints of embezzlement during the land acquisition phase between 2020 and 2024. The state anti-corruption bureau had also conducted raids and filed charge-sheets, exposing manipulated claims and inflated payouts meant for affected landowners.
The Bharatmala Pariyojana, initiated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aims to develop economic corridors covering around 34,800 kilometers. The project focuses on enhancing connectivity and optimizing freight movement to reduce logistics costs. While no official statement regarding recoveries or arrests has been released, sources suggest the raids aim to trace proceeds of crime linked to the alleged irregularities.
The probe emphasizes the involvement of middlemen, brokers, and officials in providing undue benefits to specific parties. Such actions highlight the increasing scrutiny on transparency in large-scale infrastructure projects, especially concerning land acquisition. Residents in affected areas have expressed concerns about fair compensation and delays, urging authorities to ensure accountability. Security measures have been heightened around the locations to prevent interference as the searches progress.
The outcome of the operations is anticipated to shed light on the extent of the alleged malpractice, potentially resulting in asset attachments or legal actions against those responsible.
