Barely hours after wrapping up extensive search operations that resulted in seizure of Rs 66.9 lakh cash and 37 kilograms of silver from eight locations spanning Abhanpur, Raipur, Dhamtari and Kurud, the Enforcement Directorate Raipur Zonal Office (ED-RPZO) has escalated its action, conducting fresh search and seizure operations across Bhilai, Durg and Bilaspur. The renewed round of enforcement activity comes in the backdrop of a leadership transition, with Ajay Luhach, a 2013-batch Indian Revenue Service officer from the Enforcement Directorate Ranchi Zonal Office, assuming charge as Additional Director at ED-RPZO. He replaces Prabhakar Prabhat, who has been moved to Ranchi. Sources indicated that enforcement action has gathered pace following the change, with multiple coordinated operations being executed in quick succession. The investigation centres on alleged irregularities in land compensation linked to the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor under the Bharatmala project, alongside suspected financial trails connected to a liquor syndicate under scrutiny. In Durg, ED teams conducted searches at the Mahesh Colony residence and office premises of Amar Infra director and BJP leader Chaturbhuj Rathi. Officials arrived early in the day in multiple vehicles, with over a dozen personnel involved in the operation. Security arrangements were tightened with deployment of CRPF personnel outside the premises while teams carried out detailed examination of documents, computers and digital records. Sources indicated that Amar Infra operates more than six firms, and financial linkages among these entities are under scanner.

 

In Bhilai, the probe extended to the residence and factory premises of chemical unit operator Govind Mandal in the old Bhilai area. Two ED teams reached his Vitthalpuram residence in the early hours, with one team continuing searches at the apartment complex while another later proceeded to his industrial unit in Bhilai-3. Documents were reportedly seized from the residence during the course of the search. Sources further indicated that Mandal’s perceived proximity to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is also part of the broader examination. Preliminary findings suggest that investigators are examining land transactions, including acquisition of land valued at around Rs 2 crore in the Vasundhara Nagar area along GE Road approximately three years ago. Financial dealings involving about Rs 5 crore allegedly circulated on interest are also under scrutiny. The case is being examined from the angle of suspected money laundering, financial irregularities and questionable property transactions. In Bilaspur, ED teams simultaneously searched the residence and commercial premises of jeweller Vivek Agrawal. The agency carried out inspections at Shriram Jewellers in Madhyanagri Chowk, examining transaction records and financial documents.

 

Sources indicated that the operation is linked to suspected financial trails connected to his brother Vikas Agrawal, who is absconding and is alleged to be associated with a liquor syndicate involving accused Anwar Dhebar. Sources indicated that the ongoing searches are aimed at mapping financial linkages between land compensation beneficiaries, business entities and suspected proceeds of crime. Investigators are probing whether land parcels were acquired in the names of associates or relatives and subsequently used to claim inflated compensation under the Bharatmala project. Probe’s focus has also turned to the role of revenue officials, including patwaris and revenue inspectors, who allegedly processed and forwarded compensation cases. Approvals granted at district levels are under scrutiny for possible irregularities in disbursal of funds. Officials are analysing documents and digital trails recovered during earlier operations to establish linkages between transactions and beneficiaries. The case originates from a First Information Report registered by the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB), following which ED initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to trace proceeds of crime and financial layering.