ED raids across Chhattisgarh in CGPSC probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at seven locations across Chhattisgarh, including the residence of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's personal assistant, KK Chandrakar, in connection with an alleged scam at the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), officials said. The searches, conducted by the ED's Raipur zonal office, began early Tuesday and were underway in coordination with security forces and state police, according to ANI.

Officials told news agency PTI that the operation is part of a money laundering investigation launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and relates to alleged irregularities at the CGPSC.

Background: Arrest of former CGPSC chairman

The raids come nearly a month after the ED arrested former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani on July 25 in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged examination paper leak case. The investigation pertains to the alleged leaking of question papers and manipulation of the CGPSC State Service Examinations conducted in 2020 and 2021.

At the time of his arrest, officials said Sonwani had remained evasive during questioning by the agency, ANI reported.

The ED's money laundering case stems from a 2024 FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI case was based on a complaint by the Chhattisgarh Police following the BJP's return to power in the state after defeating the Congress in the November 2023 Assembly elections. Sonwani was also arrested by the CBI in 2024 in connection with the case.

Allegations against Sonwani

The ED has alleged that Sonwani facilitated the leakage of question papers and manipulated the selection process in exchange for illegal gratification, allegedly benefiting his relatives and candidates who paid bribes. According to the agency, the CGPSC recruitment rules were amended in 2021 to remove the term "nephew" from the definition of family members, allegedly to facilitate the selection of Sonwani's relatives for government posts. The agency has further alleged that bribes were collected partly in cash and partly routed through a family-controlled "samiti" (a committee).