Coal levy scam: Why Congress leaders under lens in Chhattisgarh?

The ED alleged that a “massive conspiracy” was hatched in Chhattisgarh to perpetrate a coal levy ‘scam’ in which Rs 540 crore has been “extorted” over the last two years.

A massive row erupted after the Enforcement Directorate raided the offices and residential premises of Chhattisgarh Congress leaders in a coal levy scam case.

The raid was conducted days before the three-day plenary session of the Congress party from 24-26 February in Raipur.

The searches took place at over a dozen locations that include those of MLA Devendra Yadav in Bhilai (Durg district), Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, chairman of Chhattisgarh State Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Sushil Sunny Agrawal and party's state spokesperson RP Singh in Raipur.

What is the Chhattisgarh coal levy scam?

The ED investigation pertains to "a massive scam in which illegal levy of Rs 25 was being extorted for every tonne of coal transported in Chhattisgarh by a cartel involving senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians and middlemen".

The probe agency alleged that a "massive conspiracy" was hatched in Chhattisgarh to perpetrate a coal levy 'scam' in which Rs 540 crore has been "extorted" over the last two years.

All raid spots belong to MLAs and office-bearers, who are close aides of Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel.

The money laundering case stems from an Income Tax department complaint that was registered following raids by the taxman in June 2022.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's deputy secretary Saumya Chaurasia, Vishnoi, coal trader and alleged "main kingpin of the scam" Suryakant Tiwari, his uncle Laxmikant Tiwari and another coal businessman Sunil Agrawal have been arrested in this case till now.

How Congress reacted to ED raid

State Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has alleged that the crackdown shows BJP's frustration over the party convention in the state's capital and the revelation of Adani by Hindenburg report.

"Today the ED has raided the houses of many of my colleagues, including the treasurer of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee, the former vice-president of the party, and an MLA. After four days there is a Congress convention in Raipur. Our spirits cannot be broken by stopping our people engaged in preparations like this," Baghel tweeted.

He also said that the raids show the level of frustration of the BJP in the wake of Bharat Jodo Yatras success and Hindenburgs report on Adanis truth.

"BJP is frustrated with the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra and the truth of Adani being revealed. This raid is an attempt to divert attention," he added.