Raipur, India : The State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB) of Chhattisgarh has arrested Anwar Dhebar in connection with an alleged large-scale overtime payment scam involving the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL).
According to officials, the arrest was made on Sunday in a case registered under Sections 7B and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), along with Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.
The case originated after the Enforcement Directorate, Raipur Zonal Office, seized ₹28.80 lakh in cash from three individuals on November 29, 2023, and subsequently informed the Government of Chhattisgarh for further action. Based on this information, the EOW/ACB registered an FIR and initiated a detailed investigation.
₹100 Crore Paid in the Name of Overtime Allowances
Investigators found that between the financial years 2019–20 and 2023–24, more than ₹100 crore was disbursed by Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited under the pretext of overtime and extra-duty allowances for employees working at government-run liquor shops.
Under established rules, overtime payments were meant to be paid directly to eligible employees. However, authorities allege that the funds were routed through manpower and placement agencies, which submitted inflated bills claiming overtime payments.
While the full amount was released to these agencies, the money was allegedly never paid to the employees. Instead, it was siphoned off as illegal commissions and distributed among various individuals, causing direct financial losses to the state exchequer.
Commission Allegedly Reached Anwar Dhebar
The investigation further revealed that the illegally generated commission money eventually reached Anwar Dhebar, making him a key beneficiary of the scheme. Officials stated that the entire mechanism was designed to divert excise revenue under the guise of legitimate overtime payments.
Anwar Dhebar was produced before a special court on February 23, 2026, which granted police remand for further interrogation.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or disclosures may follow as the probe progresses.