The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a fresh set of searches in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday morning as part of its ongoing investigation into a major scam involving the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds. This scam involves hundreds of crores of rupees meant for the development of mining-affected areas.
The ED raided several locations across districts like Raipur, Durg, Bhilai, and Bilaspur. The searches targeted homes and business premises of key individuals suspected of involvement in the scam, including prominent businessmen, vendors, and contractors.
One notable raid took place at the residence of Vinay Garg, a well-known agricultural businessman in Shankar Nagar, Raipur. Authorities also searched the house of Shivkumar Modi in Durg. Additionally, Villa No. 54 in Raipur, linked to agricultural equipment trader Satpal Chhabra, was another key location. Chhabra operates businesses in both Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
In total, authorities are searching nearly 18 locations linked to vendors, middlemen, and contractors suspected of misappropriating DMF funds. The ED believes that a significant amount of money—running into hundreds of crores—has been siphoned off through fraudulent supply of agricultural goods like pesticides, seeds, and equipment. This scam reportedly took place during the previous Congress government’s tenure, involving the Chhattisgarh Beej Nigam.
Many of the accused, including Garg, are believed to have supplied agricultural materials in districts such as Korba and Janjgir-Champa for projects financed by the DMF. The investigation is also linked to the arrest of Ranu Shahu, a senior IAS officer, who was detained earlier in connection with the scam. Shahu and other accused are accused of diverting DMF funds that were meant to help farmers and communities in mining-affected areas.
A team of 8-10 ED officers is conducting these searches, which are expected to continue throughout the day. The agency has not yet issued an official statement, but sources suggest that more names could come to light as the probe deepens.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing case involving large-scale financial fraud and corruption in Chhattisgarh’s mining sector.
