The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken strong action against corruption in Chhattisgarh by conducting searches at 28 locations. These raids are part of a major investigation into the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) scam, which involves large-scale misuse of funds related to mining.
The searches took place on September 3 and 4, 2025, across homes and offices of contractors, vendors, and middlemen linked to the Chhattisgarh Rajya Beej Evam Krishi Vikas Nigam Ltd. (Beej Nigam). During these searches, ED officials recovered cash worth around Rs. 4 crore, 10 kg of silver bullions, and important documents and digital devices that could hold clues to the scam.
The ED’s investigation began after FIRs were filed by the Chhattisgarh Police. The cases allege misappropriation of funds meant for local communities affected by mining projects. The focus is on officials, contractors, and middlemen accused of siphoning off money intended for public benefit.
What’s the scam about? DMFT is a trust funded by miners, created in every district of Chhattisgarh to help people impacted by mining activities. But officials, in collusion with vendors and middlemen, allegedly diverted these funds for personal gain. Instead of using the money appropriately, they illegally secured tenders and took hefty bribes and commissions—sometimes up to 60% of the contract amount.
The ED says nearly Rs. 350 crore from DMFT funds across various districts was funneled through Beej Nigam, a government agency that handles procurement for agricultural and development projects. Vendors supplied things like farming tools, seeds, and machinery, but part of the payments was pocketed by middlemen and officials as illegal kickbacks.
Earlier, the ED attached properties worth over Rs. 21 crore connected to the scam. One prosecution complaint has also been filed in the special PMLA court in Raipur, naming 16 accused persons. Additionally, three individuals—IAS officer Ranu Sahu, State Service officer Maya Varrier, and Manoj Kumar Dwivedi—have been arrested in connection with the case.
The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities uncovering more details about this large-scale corruption. The ED’s probings continue as they work to bring justice to those involved in misusing public funds meant for local development.
