WANTED in separate investigations by the Enforcement Directorate, Raipur Zonal Office (ED-RPZO), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the State Economic Offences Investigation Bureau and AntiCorruption Bureau (SEOIACB), Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal on Wednesday finally came within the reach of investigators after SEOIACB took him into custody for questioning in the alleged coal levy scam. The State’s anti-graft agency confirmed that Vaibhav Agrawal, son of Ramgopal Agrawal, was questioned over the past two days as part of the ongoing investigation. The development marks a significant breakthrough in multiple corruption investigations as despite Chhattisgarh Government’s sanction for a CBI probe as well as ED-RPZO declaring him wanted and issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) in late 2023. Agrawal had remained untraceable following a series of ED searches conducted during 2022-23 and was not seen publicly or at Congress functions thereafter. According to SEOIACB, Agrawal had remained unavailable for investigation for a considerable period despite the ongoing probe. Owing to his non-availability, a permanent warrant had also been issued against him by the Special Court under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigators are questioning Agrawal on the basis of facts emerging during the investigation, documents, digital evidence, a seized diary and other available material. SEOIACB said a diary allegedly recovered from the possession of Suryakant Tiwari contains entries mentioning ‘Congress Bhawan’ involving transactions worth crores of rupees.

 

The investigation has so far revealed that the money reflected in those entries was allegedly received by Agrawal at Congress Bhawan. He is being questioned regarding the diary entries, the source of funds, persons who allegedly delivered the money, the alleged recipient, its receipt, utilisation and other aspects connected with the transactions. The agency said investigators are also examining Agrawal’s alleged role in the coal levy case, his contacts with other accused persons, financial transactions, coordination with related individuals and other significant aspects emerging during the investigation. SEOIACB stated that Agrawal will also be questioned in the liquor scam, where the investigation has allegedly revealed that Anwar Dhebar and his associates delivered crores of rupees to Congress Bhawan for Agrawal. Investigators will question him regarding the alleged delivery of funds, the role of persons involved, receipt of the money, its utilisation and other connected aspects. Similarly, in the paddy-linked case, investigators claim to have gathered material indicating that Roshan Chandrakar allegedly delivered crores of rupees to Agrawal at Congress Bhawan. SEOIACB said questioning in this case will focus on the alleged collection, transportation, receipt and utilisation of the funds, besides the role of all persons connected with the transactions. SEOIACB said investigations in all connected cases are continuing with seriousness. Necessary statutory action will be taken on the basis of facts, evidence and material emerging during the interrogation.