The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has announced the arrest of Taman Singh Sonwani, the former Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), in connection with a corruption case involving the state service examinations conducted in 2020 and 2021. The arrest occurred on July 25, 2026, in Raipur, following the agency’s investigation into alleged financial misconduct.

Sonwani was apprehended under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and subsequently presented before the Special Court (PMLA) in Raipur. The court has remanded him to ED custody for seven days, set to last until July 30, 2026, as investigations are still ongoing.

Allegations of Corruption and Manipulation

The ED’s investigation was initiated following a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Economic Offences Wing and Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB) in Raipur. The FIR outlined several charges against Sonwani and others, including allegations of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and extensive corruption in the administration of the CGPSC State Service Examinations.

Further inquiries revealed that during his tenure as chairman, Sonwani is alleged to have conspired with both public servants and private individuals to leak exam questions and manipulate the selection process. In return for illegal payments, he is accused of securing fraudulent appointments for his relatives and selected candidates to prestigious posts such as Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The investigation also uncovered that the recruitment rules of the CGPSC were amended in 2021. This amendment reportedly removed the term “nephew” from the definition of “family”. This change is believed to have facilitated the fraudulent selection of Sonwani’s relatives for roles within the public service.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

The ED has stated that part of the Proceeds of Crime were accumulated in cash, while the remainder was concealed through complex banking transactions. The agency aims to trace these proceeds and establish a clear money trail linking Sonwani to the alleged crimes. The enforcement body indicated that Sonwani provided unsatisfactory answers and failed to cooperate with investigators during questioning, which contributed to his arrest.

The agency is actively seeking to identify other individuals who may be involved in the corruption scheme. As the investigation progresses, the ED will continue to focus on gathering evidence to pursue additional charges as necessary.

The recent developments in this case highlight ongoing concerns regarding integrity in public service examinations. The ED’s actions reflect its commitment to tackling corruption within governmental institutions and ensuring accountability among public officials.

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