Coal Scam IAS Ranu Sahu in More Trouble, PWD to Probe Farmhouse Spending

The problems of suspended IAS officer Ranu Sahu, accused in Chhattisgarh's much talked about coal scam and DMF scam, are increasing. The Public Works Department (PWD) will now investigate the house, farm house and shop built in her name in Tulsi village of Raipur. The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought a report from the PWD headquarters, after which PWD Raipur Division No. 2 has been entrusted with the responsibility of investigation.

What will PWD investigate?
The PWD investigation team will find out when the house and farm house built in Tulsi village were constructed and how much was spent on it. In the investigation, the cost of doors, windows, false ceiling, ply work, interior decoration, plumbing work, boundary wall, fencing and lawn installed in the building will be assessed. Apart from this, the expenditure on modular kitchen, electric installation, taps, pipes, shower, basin, bath tub, cupboard, chandelier, fans, AC, cooler, lights, fridge, washing machine, TV, home theater, furniture, submersible pump and other materials will also be investigated. If the house is built on agricultural land, it will also be investigated whether permission was taken from the village sarpanch for it or not.

Allegation of construction on agricultural land, without NOC
This farm house and house built on about 2 acres of agricultural land in Tulsi village is in the name of Arun Kumar Sahu and Lakshmi Sahu (residents of Panduka, Chhura, Gariaband). This property is built on Khasra number 398/1 (0.1410 hectares), 407/1 (0.0710 hectares), 407/2 and 407/3 (0.4100 hectares). Tulsi Baradera's Sarpanch Suresh Kumar Dhiwar said that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) was taken from the Panchayat for this construction, which is mandatory. Currently a restaurant named "Dhoom California" is being operated on this property. The Revenue Department had earlier sealed this property.

Ranu Sahu accused of coal scam and DMF scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Ranu Sahu on 22 July 2023 in the coal scam and DMF scam. The ED had claimed that during her tenure as collector in Korba district (May 2021-June 2022), irregularities took place in DMF funds and commission ranging from 25% to 40% was taken from contractors. Apart from this, the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) registered a case of disproportionate assets against Ranu Sahu, accusing him of acquiring assets worth Rs 3.93 crore between 2015 and 2022, while his total income was Rs 92 lakh.

Bail from Supreme Court, but investigation continues
The Supreme Court had granted interim bail to Ranu Sahu in the coal scam case on 3 March 2025, but as per the conditions, she has to stay out of Chhattisgarh and come to the state only on the call of the trial court or the investigating agency. Currently, ACB and EOW are investigating the disproportionate assets and corruption cases. ACB chief Amresh Mishra said that complete information about Ranu Sahu's properties is being collected.

PWD investigation begins
PWD officials have started preparations for the investigation and property valuation will begin in Tulsi village in the next one or two days. Panchnama will be prepared before the investigation. This investigation can prove to be important in Ranu Sahu's disproportionate assets case, as it is raising questions on the cost and validity of her properties.