THE Enforcement Directorate’s Raipur Zonal Office (ED-RPZO) concluded search and seizure operations at three locations in Rajnandgaon on Thursday evening in the multi-crore District Mineral Fund (DMF) scam, seizing documents and digital devices containing evidence allegedly indicating beneficiary linkages and complicity of individuals covered during the operation, knowledgeable sources said. Separate ED teams launched searches around 6 am at premises linked to the Nahata Group, including a housecum-office at Satyam Vihar Colony, besides a Bhansali-linked establishment at Kamthi Line. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel accompanied the sleuths throughout, providing security cover for resistance-free operations. Investigators scrutinised financial transactions, documents and electronic records before concluding the exercise by evening. Sources said no cash or valuables were seized. Instead, the operation yielded documentary records and digital devices. Preliminary scrutiny of paper and electronic trails allegedly produced incriminating material indicating that individuals covered were beneficiaries of transactions under investigation and allegedly complicit in suspected DMF irregularities.

 

Premises associated with Nahata and Bhansali had also faced ED scrutiny in October 2025. Sources said business activities connected with supplies to the Forest Department are among aspects under examination. Seized material will undergo detailed scrutiny to reconstruct financial and beneficiary linkages. The operation follows the widening DMF money trail. On June 16, 2026, ED teams searched nine locations across Raipur, Dhamtari, Durg, Korba and Ambikapur, when sources indicated seizure of unaccounted cash exceeding Rs 1 crore besides extensive documentary and digital evidence. The investigation centres on alleged diversion of funds intended for welfare and development of mining-affected communities. During an earlier phase, ED stated that contractors allegedly paid commissions or illegal gratification ranging between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of contract value to government officials and political executives, with cash for alleged kickbacks generated through accommodation entries. Investigators are tracking contractors, suppliers, intermediaries, banking channels and beneficiaries to reconstruct suspected proceeds of (Contd on page 6)