EOW alleges former Chhattisgarh Congress treasurer collected ₹800 crore in coal levy-linked party fund
Digital Desk
The EOW has alleged that former Chhattisgarh Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal managed ₹800 crore collected as party funds in the alleged coal levy scam. He remains in custody until July 17.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has made serious allegations against former Chhattisgarh Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal in the state's alleged coal levy scam, claiming that nearly ₹800 crore was collected in the name of party funds and routed through a hawala network.
According to the investigating agency, Agrawal played a central role in managing the alleged fund, which was reportedly brought to the Congress headquarters in Raipur before being sent to Delhi through illegal financial channels.
The allegations were presented before a special court after Agrawal was produced following his arrest in the high-profile case.
EOW Details Alleged Money Trail
In documents submitted before the court, the EOW claimed that cash generated through the alleged coal levy scam was transported to the Congress office in bags and cartons.
The agency alleged that Agrawal supervised the receipt, accounting and management of the funds before they were transferred through hawala operators.
Investigators further claimed that ₹52.62 crore from the alleged coal levy proceeds directly reached Agrawal, who was responsible for receiving and handling the money.
These allegations are part of the agency's investigation and are yet to be tested in court.
Witness Statements Cited
The EOW has relied on statements from several witnesses during the investigation.
According to the agency, Devendra Dadsena, an accountant associated with the Congress and Agrawal's personal assistant, told investigators that money linked to the alleged coal levy scam was brought to the Congress office, where it came under Agrawal's control.
The agency also cited statements from businessman Laxminarayan Bansal, alias Pappu, who allegedly claimed that nearly ₹800 crore was routed to the Congress office through businessman Dipen Chawda.
Another witness, Nikhil Chandrakar, reportedly told investigators that proceeds from the alleged coal levy reached Agrawal.
The statements form part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been judicially examined.
EOW Tracks Movements Across Eight States
The agency also claimed that after leaving Raipur, Agrawal stayed in eight states, including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
During this period, investigators said he visited religious places such as Puri, Varanasi and Prayagraj, where he reportedly performed special prayers.
Despite being away from Chhattisgarh, the EOW alleged that he remained in contact with family members, political leaders and businessmen.
Case Originated After Income Tax Searches
According to the EOW, the investigation traces its origin to Income Tax raids conducted on June 30, 2022, at premises linked to alleged coal businessman Suryakant Tiwari and his associates.
Investigators claimed diaries and documents recovered during those searches revealed details of alleged illegal coal levy transactions, in which Agrawal's name also surfaced.
Based on findings shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the EOW subsequently registered an FIR and launched its investigation.
After remaining unavailable to investigators for nearly three years, Agrawal surrendered before authorities on July 8, 2026, and was produced before the special court the following day.
Remand Till July 17
The EOW sought a 14-day custodial remand for further interrogation. However, the special court granted nine days of remand, directing that Agrawal be produced again on July 17.
Officials indicated that his questioning could also lead to further action in other alleged cases linked to custom milling, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds and the liquor scam. The Enforcement Directorate is also expected to pursue parallel proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no court has yet determined the validity of the allegations made by the EOW.
--------
🚨 Beat the News Rush – Join Now!
Get breaking alerts, hot exclusives, and game-changing stories instantly on your phone. No delays, no fluff – just the edge you need. ⚡
Tap to join:
🟢 WhatsApp Channel: Dainik Jagran MP CG
Crave more?
🅕 Facebook: Dainik Jagran MP CG English
🅧 Twitter (X): Dainik Jagran MP CG
🅘 Instagram: Dainik Jagran MP CG
Share the fire – keep your crew ahead! 🗞️🔥
EOW alleges former Chhattisgarh Congress treasurer collected ₹800 crore in coal levy-linked party fund
Digital Desk
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has made serious allegations against former Chhattisgarh Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal in the state's alleged coal levy scam, claiming that nearly ₹800 crore was collected in the name of party funds and routed through a hawala network.
According to the investigating agency, Agrawal played a central role in managing the alleged fund, which was reportedly brought to the Congress headquarters in Raipur before being sent to Delhi through illegal financial channels.
The allegations were presented before a special court after Agrawal was produced following his arrest in the high-profile case.
EOW Details Alleged Money Trail
In documents submitted before the court, the EOW claimed that cash generated through the alleged coal levy scam was transported to the Congress office in bags and cartons.
The agency alleged that Agrawal supervised the receipt, accounting and management of the funds before they were transferred through hawala operators.
Investigators further claimed that ₹52.62 crore from the alleged coal levy proceeds directly reached Agrawal, who was responsible for receiving and handling the money.
These allegations are part of the agency's investigation and are yet to be tested in court.
Witness Statements Cited
The EOW has relied on statements from several witnesses during the investigation.
According to the agency, Devendra Dadsena, an accountant associated with the Congress and Agrawal's personal assistant, told investigators that money linked to the alleged coal levy scam was brought to the Congress office, where it came under Agrawal's control.
The agency also cited statements from businessman Laxminarayan Bansal, alias Pappu, who allegedly claimed that nearly ₹800 crore was routed to the Congress office through businessman Dipen Chawda.
Another witness, Nikhil Chandrakar, reportedly told investigators that proceeds from the alleged coal levy reached Agrawal.
The statements form part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been judicially examined.
EOW Tracks Movements Across Eight States
The agency also claimed that after leaving Raipur, Agrawal stayed in eight states, including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
During this period, investigators said he visited religious places such as Puri, Varanasi and Prayagraj, where he reportedly performed special prayers.
Despite being away from Chhattisgarh, the EOW alleged that he remained in contact with family members, political leaders and businessmen.
Case Originated After Income Tax Searches
According to the EOW, the investigation traces its origin to Income Tax raids conducted on June 30, 2022, at premises linked to alleged coal businessman Suryakant Tiwari and his associates.
Investigators claimed diaries and documents recovered during those searches revealed details of alleged illegal coal levy transactions, in which Agrawal's name also surfaced.
Based on findings shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the EOW subsequently registered an FIR and launched its investigation.
After remaining unavailable to investigators for nearly three years, Agrawal surrendered before authorities on July 8, 2026, and was produced before the special court the following day.
Remand Till July 17
The EOW sought a 14-day custodial remand for further interrogation. However, the special court granted nine days of remand, directing that Agrawal be produced again on July 17.
Officials indicated that his questioning could also lead to further action in other alleged cases linked to custom milling, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds and the liquor scam. The Enforcement Directorate is also expected to pursue parallel proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no court has yet determined the validity of the allegations made by the EOW.
