High-Stakes Corruption: IAS Officers Arrested in Chhattisgarh’s District Mineral Fund Scandal
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a significant turn of events, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has apprehended two prominent officials, Mrs. Maya Varier and Mrs. Ranu Sahu, (Suspended IAS officer who is in Judicial Custody in an alleged coal scam) in connection with the burgeoning District Mineral Fund (DMF) Scam in Chhattisgarh. Their arrests took place on October 15 and 17, 2024, respectively, with both being presented before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA) in Raipur on consecutive days.
The Hon’ble Court has remanded the accused into ED custody until October 22, 2024, as the investigation intensifies. The ED’s inquiry is rooted in three separate FIRs lodged by the Chhattisgarh Police, which allege the siphoning of public funds by DMF contractors in conspiracy with state officials and political leaders. The DMF was established to benefit communities affected by mining activities, but evidence suggests a systematic exploitation of its resources.
Mrs. Ranu Sahu served as the District Collector of Korba from May 2021 to June 2022, while Mrs. Maya Varier held the position of Assistant Commissioner in the Tribal Development Department from August 2021 to March 2023. Their tenures are marred by allegations of orchestrating a scheme for illegal commissions, with contractors reportedly paying bribes amounting to 25% to 40% of the contract value.
The ED’s investigation has unveiled a network of corruption wherein contractors funneled substantial kickbacks through fabricated transactions. While the FIRs do not specify the exact amounts of the “Proceeds of Crime,” preliminary findings indicate that the DMF allocation for Korba exceeds ₹1,000 Crore since its inception, suggesting that illicit commissions could tally in the hundreds of Crore.
Prior investigations by the ED have led to extensive searches across Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, yielding incriminating documents, digital evidence, and cash and assets valued at ₹2.32 Crore. The investigation continues to unfold, promising further revelations in this high-stakes corruption case that has shaken the foundations of governance in Chhattisgarh.
