Chhattisgarh Government Official Arrested by Enforcement Directorate in DMF Scam Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detained a woman official from the Chhattisgarh government in connection with the alleged District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scam. This issue emerged during the previous Congress administration in the state. Maya Warrier, who works in the Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department, was taken into custody on Tuesday. She appeared before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court on Wednesday, according to ED lawyer Saurabh Pandey.

Warrier's arrest marks the first in the DMF case, which the ED has been investigating since last year. The court has granted her custody to the ED until October 22, as stated by Pandey. Meanwhile, an application was filed to produce Ranu Sahu, a suspended IAS officer currently in judicial custody for an alleged coal scam, on a production warrant in the DMF case. However, jail authorities reported that she had medical issues.

Focus on Alleged Irregularities

The ED's investigation indicates that irregularities occurred in the DMF during Ranu Sahu's tenure as collector in Raigarh and Korba districts under the previous Congress government. It is alleged that she received substantial kickbacks from contractors awarded work under DMF. During Sahu's time as Collector in coal-rich areas, Warrier was posted in related departments and allegedly facilitated these irregularities.

In March this year, the ED claimed that mining contractors associated with the DMF in Chhattisgarh paid large sums of illegal gratification to state officials and political executives to secure work tenders. The DMF is a trust established in each district of the state, funded by miners to benefit those affected by mining activities.

Efforts to Produce Key Witness

Advocate Pandey mentioned that they have again sought to produce Ranu Sahu in the case on Thursday. The investigation continues as authorities aim to uncover more details about the alleged scam and those involved. The focus remains on understanding how these irregularities were facilitated and who benefited from them.

The unfolding events highlight significant concerns about corruption within government departments linked to mining activities. As investigations proceed, more information is expected to surface regarding how these alleged irregularities were orchestrated and who else might be implicated.

The ongoing probe into the DMF scam underscores efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability within government operations related to mineral resources. Authorities are keen on bringing those responsible to justice while safeguarding public interests.