The Enforcement Directorate Raipur Zonal Office (RPZO), has arrested Jai Prakash Gandhi, a resident of Abhanpur in Raipur district, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the Bharatmala Highway Land Acquisition Compensation Fraud case, knowledgeable sources in the federal agency told The Hitavada on Thursday. Sources in the federal agency said Gandhi was arrested on June 3 and subsequently produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Raipur, which granted the ED three days’ custody of the accused for further interrogation. The ED investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB), Chhattisgarh, relating to alleged large-scale irregularities in compensation disbursed for land acquired under the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor project of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Investigators have alleged that Gandhi, in connivance with family members and certain public servants, acquired land falling within the notified highway alignment and subsequently fragmented it into parcels measuring less than 500 square metres. According to investigators, the exercise was allegedly carried out to secure enhanced compensation from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Sources familiar with the probe said the accused and his family members allegedly received compensation amounting to approximately Rs 9.83 crore against a legitimately payable amount of around Rs 56.76 lakh, resulting in alleged proceeds of crime of nearly Rs 9.27 crore.

 

Investigators further suspect that the alleged proceeds were subsequently layered and integrated through investments in shares, mutual funds and other financial instruments. Earlier, on April 28, 2026, the ED conducted searches at multiple premises in Raipur, Abhanpur and Dhamtari districts. During those operations, investigators reportedly recovered and seized incriminating documents, digital devices and other material linked to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of compensation. Sources familiar with the probe said the accused and his family members allegedly received compensation amounting to approximately Rs 9.83 crore against a legitimately payable amount of around Rs 56.76 lakh, resulting in alleged proceeds of crime of nearly Rs 9.27 crore. Investigators further suspect that the alleged proceeds were subsequently layered and integrated through investments in shares, mutual funds and other financial instruments. Earlier, on April 28, 2026, the ED conducted searches at multiple premises in Raipur, Abhanpur and Dhamtari districts. During those operations, investigators reportedly recovered and seized incriminating documents, digital devices and other material linked to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of compensation. Knowledgeable sources said the investigation is continuing and the role of other beneficiaries, intermediaries and public servants allegedly linked to the conspiracy remains under examination. The agency is also analysing financial transactions and documentary evidence recovered during the course of the investigation to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify additional beneficiaries.