ED action in Chhattisgarh, raids at nine locations in Bharatmala project land acquisition scam

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted search operations at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh in connection with alleged irregularities in compensation payments during land acquisition for the Bharatmala project. The action is linked to the acquisition of land for the economic corridor being developed from Raipur to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

According to official sources, search operations are underway at at least nine premises in Raipur city and Mahasamund district. The investigation focuses on alleged discrepancies and misuse of funds in compensation paid to landowners under the Raipur–Visakhapatnam stretch of the Bharatmala project.

Under the Bharatmala scheme, around 26,000 kilometres of economic corridors are being developed across the country to strengthen freight transportation. Several complaints related to compensation fraud worth crores of rupees have already surfaced in Chhattisgarh under this project.

The ED action is being carried out under provisions related to money laundering. Officials are examining documents, electronic devices and other materials during the searches. The case has remained a major political issue in the state, with opposition parties earlier demanding a CBI probe. Further developments in the ED investigation are expected to reveal more details of the alleged scam.