The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted searches at seven locations across Chhattisgarh as part of its money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) recruitment process. One of the premises searched was linked to K K Chandrakar, who served as a personal assistant to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, officials said.
The searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). As of the latest reports, the Enforcement Directorate has not disclosed details of any seizures, arrests or recoveries made during Tuesday's operation.
The action comes as the agency continues to investigate alleged corruption, question-paper leaks and manipulation in CGPSC State Service Examinations conducted in 2020 and 2021.
Seven locations searched across Chhattisgarh
According to officials, ED teams carried out searches at seven locations in the state on Tuesday. The premises of K K Chandrakar, a former PA to Bhupesh Baghel, were among the locations covered by the operation.
Reports from Bhilai said an ED team reached Chandrakar's residence early in the morning and examined documents and other material. Security personnel were also deployed around the premises during the search.
Details about the other locations have not been officially disclosed in the latest ED information available.
Probe linked to alleged CGPSC recruitment irregularities
The ED investigation relates to allegations of corruption and manipulation in the recruitment process conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission.
The agency's money-laundering case originated from a 2024 FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The underlying allegations include question-paper leaks and manipulation of the selection process in the 2020 and 2021 CGPSC State Service Examinations.
The investigation has focused on allegations that candidates and relatives of influential individuals benefited from irregularities in the recruitment process.
Former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani arrested
The latest searches follow the ED's arrest of former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani on July 25, 2026.
According to the ED's official records, Sonwani was arrested under the PMLA in connection with the case involving alleged corruption, question-paper leaks and manipulation of the CGPSC State Service Examinations held in 2020 and 2021. He was subsequently produced before the Special Court (PMLA) in Raipur.
The agency has alleged that Sonwani facilitated the leakage of examination papers and manipulation of the selection process in exchange for illegal gratification. Investigators are examining the alleged financial transactions connected with the recruitment irregularities.
CBI case preceded ED investigation
The money-laundering probe is based on the CBI case registered in 2024. The CBI had earlier investigated allegations of irregularities in CGPSC recruitment and arrested Sonwani in connection with the case.
The ED subsequently began examining the alleged proceeds of crime and financial transactions associated with the recruitment-related allegations.
According to information cited by investigators, the alleged irregularities relate to recruitment examinations conducted during the period when Sonwani headed the commission.
ED yet to disclose search findings
While the searches are underway, the agency has not yet released a detailed statement on what was found at the seven premises.
Therefore, claims regarding specific recoveries, financial transactions or the involvement of individual persons should not be treated as established unless confirmed by the ED or another investigating authority.
The outcome of Tuesday's searches is expected to provide further details about the agency's investigation and the alleged financial trail connected with the CGPSC case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and allegations made by investigating agencies are subject to further legal proceedings and judicial determination.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
