Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh | In a major development in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Bharatmala highway project, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted an early morning raid on a residence linked to a relative of former Chhattisgarh minister Ajay Chandrakar in Kurud town of Dhamtari district.
According to officials, a team of ED officers arrived at the house of Bhupendra Chandrakar—reportedly a cousin of the senior politician—near Sarojini Chowk in Kurud at dawn. The team, traveling in three vehicles, entered the premises and immediately began search operations. The entire area was secured by uniformed personnel, and access to and from the residence was temporarily restricted to prevent any interference with the investigation.
Investigation Expands Across Multiple Districts
This latest कार्रवाई marks an expansion of the ED’s probe, which had earlier covered locations in Raipur and Abhanpur. With the inclusion of Dhamtari, investigators appear to be widening the scope of the case across several administrative regions in Chhattisgarh.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the searches are part of a broader inquiry into alleged financial misconduct tied to land acquisition and compensation distribution under the Bharatmala Project, a flagship infrastructure initiative of the Government of India aimed at expanding the country’s highway network.
Allegations of Compensation Fraud
The probe is centered around claims that large sums of money—running into crores of rupees—were siphoned off through fraudulent compensation practices. Complaints allege that in areas such as Abhanpur and other tehsils, individuals with political or administrative connections were granted undue financial benefits by bypassing established norms and procedures.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether landowners were overcompensated or if fictitious claims were processed to divert funds. The alleged irregularities are said to extend beyond a single district, with potential links emerging in regions like Durg, Patan, Rajnandgaon, and Magarlod.
Evidence Collection Underway
During the raid, ED officials are focusing on collecting documentary evidence, scrutinizing financial records, and examining electronic devices that may provide insight into the alleged transactions. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of the findings or whether any arrests have been made.
The action has triggered political ripples in the state, given the familial connection to a prominent political figure. However, officials have emphasized that the investigation is based on documented complaints and evidence, and is being carried out in accordance with legal procedures.
Background
The Bharatmala Project is one of India’s most ambitious road development programs, designed to improve freight movement and connectivity across the country. Allegations of corruption in such a large-scale infrastructure initiative have raised concerns about transparency and accountability in public spending.
As the investigation progresses, further developments are expected, with authorities likely to expand the scope of inquiries based on evidence gathered during ongoing searches.
This is a developing story. More details are awaited as officials continue their probe.
