IN A significant setback to former Chhattisgarh Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rejected his bail application after hearing extensive arguments from the prosecution and defence in connection with the alleged liquor and coal levy scams. The Court took note of the serious nature of the case and expressed apprehension that witnesses could be influenced if Agrawal were released on bail. Following prolonged submissions from both sides, it declined to grant him relief. Agrawal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged liquor and coal scam investigations, remains lodged in Raipur Central Jail.

 

The bail proceedings follow a series of enforcement actions against Agrawal. On August 20, the ED’s Raipur Zonal Office conducted searches at seven residential and office premises across Raipur, Dhamtari and Durg linked to him and other individuals. Sources associated with that operation had reported the seizure of cash exceeding Rs 1 crore, besides documentary material and digital devices. In the liquor investigation, ED has attributed approximately Rs 72 crore in alleged proceeds of crime to Agrawal. The agency alleges that illicit funds were delivered to him at Rajiv Bhawan in Raipur and subsequently routed elsewhere on his instructions. Agrawal had earlier faced questioning by the State’s anti-graft agency in related investigations. The allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny.