The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a chargesheet against Taman Singh Sonwani, the former chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), along with Chetan Borghariya, a former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Chief Minister’s Office. This action is part of an investigation into alleged money laundering connected to a recruitment scam within the CGPSC. The chargesheet is filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The ED’s investigation commenced following a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Economic Offences Wing and the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Raipur. This FIR pertained to widespread corruption and irregularities during the CGPSC State Service Examinations held in 2020 and 2021.

Further inquiry into the predicate offence was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which subsequently registered its own FIR against Sonwani and several others. The CBI later submitted chargesheets as part of its investigation.

Allegations of Corruption and Malpractices

The ED’s findings allege that Utkarsh Chandrakar, who is the nephew of K K Chandravanshi—a former personal assistant to ex-Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel—was implicated in securing illegal payments exceeding Rs 3 crore from various candidates during the CGPSC State Service Examination, 2021. In exchange, candidates were allegedly promised access to question papers in advance and assistance in securing their selection through connections in the Chief Minister’s Office.

According to the agency, evidence indicates that certain candidates received leaked question papers before the examinations. Candidates were reportedly gathered at the Siddhi Vinayak Marriage Palace in Raipur prior to the Preliminary Examination, where these question papers were distributed.

Furthermore, the investigation found that candidates were accommodated at the Barnawapara Sanctuary Resort, where they received coaching based on the leaked materials relating to the mains examination. Sonwani faced accusations of manipulating the recruitment process during his tenure with the CGPSC to favour his relatives and other preferred candidates.

Arrests Made and Investigation Ongoing

The ED’s investigation has resulted in multiple arrests. Taman Singh Sonwani was detained on July 25, while Utkarsh Chandrakar was arrested on September 1, and Chetan Borghariya followed suit on September 11 this year. These actions were taken under Section 19 of the PMLA, 2002, and the investigation continues to unfold.

In addition, the ED had earlier issued a provisional attachment order concerning movable and immovable properties amounting to Rs 47 lakh belonging to Sonwani, Chandrakar, and others. These assets are identified as proceeds of crime during the investigation. The ED remains committed to pursuing further inquiries as this case progresses.

This development underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption within recruitment processes in Chhattisgarh and highlights the role of federal agencies in addressing these serious allegations. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge regarding the extent of the alleged malpractices and the individuals involved.

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