Chhattisgarh Bharatmala scam: Layers of Rs 600 crore compensation scam are being revealed, investigation of more than 400 objections is going on

Chhattisgarh’s Bharat Mala Project: A 600 Crore Rupee Compensation Scandal-This blog post delves into the ongoing investigation of a major compensation scam linked to the Bharat Mala project in Chhattisgarh. The scale of the alleged fraud is shocking, and the investigation is intensifying.

 Hundreds of New Complaints Filed-Over 400 new complaints and objections have been filed in Raipur and Durg divisions, prompting the formation of four dedicated investigation teams. These teams, operating under the supervision of an Additional Collector, are meticulously examining every aspect of the alleged scam.

 Expanding Investigation: Documents and Notices-Investigators are rigorously scrutinizing all land acquisition documents. They’ve requested relevant paperwork from village accountants (Patwaris) and issued notices to individuals who filed complaints or are implicated in the fraudulent claims. The goal is to leave no stone unturned.

 The Scale of the Problem: Raipur and Durg Divisions-The number of complaints is significant: approximately 150 in Raipur and over 250 in Durg. The state government aims to complete the investigation and submit a report before the monsoon session of the state assembly, suggesting a sense of urgency.

 The Alleged Fraud: A 600 Crore Rupee Loss-The alleged scam involves the construction of a highway corridor from Visakhapatnam to Raipur. It’s believed that officials and land mafias colluded to inflate compensation amounts, resulting in an estimated loss of 600 crore rupees to the state government. Genuine landowners were allegedly cheated out of their rightful compensation.

Suspended Officials and Fugitives-Following the scandal’s exposure in March, several officials, including a former SDM, two tehsildars, and three Patwaris, were suspended. However, all those named remain at large, with arrest warrants issued but not yet executed. This adds another layer of complexity to the case.

 EOW Takes Charge: Criminal Charges Filed-The state government has entrusted the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) with the investigation. The EOW has already filed a case against the named officials and mafias, actively collecting evidence. This suggests that the investigation is far from over, and further arrests are anticipated.