The Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing (ACB-EOW) on Monday filed the first chargesheet in the alleged overtime payment scam linked to the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL). The agency named 12 accused in connection with the alleged financial irregularities involving nearly Rs 182.98 crore.

Among those named in the chargesheet are businessman Anwar Dhebar, Naveen Pratap Singh Tomar, Tijauram Nirmalkar, Abhishek Singh, Neeraj Kumar Chaudhary, Ajay Lohia, Ajit Narbale, Amit Prabhakar Salunke, Amit Mittal, N. Uday Rao, Rajiv Dwivedi and Sanjeev Jain. The development marks a major step in the investigation into alleged irregularities in overtime and bonus payments made through manpower agencies associated with liquor retail operations in Chhattisgarh.

Massive Financial Irregularities

According to the investigation agency, the alleged scam took place between the financial years 2019-20 and 2023-24. During this period, large-scale excess payments were allegedly made in the name of overtime wages, bonus payments, additional working days and service charges for employees working at liquor outlets managed by CSMCL. Officials stated that the total amount of suspicious or excess payments reached approximately Rs 182.98 crore. Investigators suspect that fake billing, inflated claims and an illegal commission network were used to divert public money through manpower supply agencies. The case has emerged as one of the major corruption-related India News Update developments in Chhattisgarh and has drawn attention due to the alleged involvement of senior officials, contractors and businessmen.

Agencies Under Scanner

The investigation has revealed the role of several manpower companies that allegedly received large payments from CSMCL during the period under scrutiny. These firms include Sumit Facilities, Primeone Workforce, A-To-Z Infraservices, Alert Commandos and Eagle Hunter Solutions. According to ACB-EOW officials, these companies received around Rs 101.20 crore in the name of overtime payments. Apart from this, nearly Rs 12.21 crore was paid as bonus amounts, while Rs 54.46 crore was allegedly disbursed for four extra working days. Investigators also found that around Rs 15.11 crore was paid as service charges to manpower agencies. Officials suspect that a significant portion of these funds was diverted through an organised commission system involving multiple individuals connected to the liquor distribution network.

Overtime Funds Misused

Sources connected to the probe said genuine employees working at liquor shops were entitled to overtime compensation. However, the alleged manipulation of records and inflated billing resulted in excessive payouts far beyond actual requirements. Investigators believe that forged documentation and fabricated workforce details may have been used to justify higher payments. Officials are also examining whether fake attendance records and inflated manpower data were created to facilitate the alleged fraud. The case gained momentum after enforcement agencies reportedly identified suspicious financial transactions linked to manpower contracts associated with the state-run liquor distribution system.

Cash Recovery Became Key

Officials said the seizure of Rs 28.80 lakh in cash on November 29, 2023 became a major turning point in the investigation. According to investigators, the cash recovery helped uncover what they described as an illegal commission network operating within the overtime payment structure. As agencies connected financial transactions and payment records, investigators allegedly found evidence suggesting that money intended for employee welfare was diverted through middlemen and contractors. The Enforcement Directorate report later formed the basis for the ACB-EOW case registered under sections related to corruption, cheating and criminal conspiracy, including IPC sections 420 and 120-B along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case quickly became part of the Latest News Today coverage in Chhattisgarh due to the scale of the alleged financial irregularities.

Arrests And Court Action

So far, eight accused have been arrested in connection with the case. After completion of police remand, the accused were produced before a special court, which sent them to judicial custody. Among those arrested earlier was CDL Vice President (Marketing) N. Uday Rao, whose role is being examined by investigators. Officials are also probing links between corporate executives, contractors and individuals allegedly connected to the commission system. The agency stated that the first chargesheet is based on evidence collected so far, including financial records, payment approvals, contract details and statements recorded during investigation.

Probe Still Expanding

ACB-EOW officials confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing and additional legal action may follow in the coming weeks. Authorities are now examining the alleged use, investment and transfer of funds generated through the suspected scam. Investigators are also tracking financial trails to identify whether the money was routed into properties, businesses or shell entities. Sources indicated that more individuals connected to manpower contracts and liquor operations may come under scrutiny as the probe progresses.

The agency has not ruled out filing supplementary chargesheets after further examination of digital evidence, banking records and corporate transactions. The alleged scam has triggered political reactions in the state, with opposition parties demanding strict action against those involved. The case is also being closely watched because of its possible implications for governance and financial oversight in state-run corporations.