A Raipur court on Thursday remanded former Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal to the custody of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) until July 17, a day after he surrendered in connection with multiple alleged financial scam investigations, including the liquor, coal levy and custom milling cases.

Agrawal, who had remained out of the public eye for nearly three years, appeared before the EOW office in Raipur on Wednesday. Following a medical examination, investigators produced him before the court, seeking custodial interrogation as part of the ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities.

While the EOW sought a 14-day custodial remand, the court granted nine days, allowing investigators to question him until July 17.

Congress Announces Statewide Protest

The development has triggered a political confrontation in the state, with the Congress accusing the BJP government of misusing investigative agencies for political purposes.

The party has announced a statewide protest on Friday against Agrawal's arrest and the investigation.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's son Chaitanya Baghel, who is also an accused in the case, was present at the court premises. However, he declined to comment on the proceedings, stating that he could not speak publicly because he was himself facing charges in the matter.

Agrawal also refused to comment when approached by reporters after the court proceedings.

EOW Examining Money Trail

The investigation centres on allegations that funds generated through the alleged liquor, coal levy and custom milling scams were routed to the Rajiv Bhavan, the state Congress headquarters.

According to the EOW, diaries allegedly recovered during the investigation into the coal levy case contain entries indicating financial transactions linked to the Congress office.

Investigators allege that Agrawal played a role in facilitating the movement of these funds. The agency is attempting to establish the source of the money, those involved in transferring it, its intended recipients and the manner in which it was allegedly utilised.

The EOW has also questioned Agrawal's son, Vaibhav Agrawal, over two days regarding the family's financial transactions, business dealings and Ramgopal Agrawal's whereabouts during the past three years.

Multiple Scam Investigations

The agency claims that Agrawal's name has surfaced during investigations into three separate cases involving alleged financial irregularities.

According to investigators, the alleged liquor scam involved illegal commissions and irregularities in the state's liquor distribution system between 2019 and 2022. Agencies have estimated the alleged scam at around ₹3,200 crore, though the allegations are yet to be judicially established.

In the coal levy case, the EOW and Enforcement Directorate (ED) allege that illegal collections were made from coal transporters and mining businesses between 2020 and 2022, with investigators estimating the alleged proceeds at around ₹540 crore.

The third case relates to the custom milling incentive scheme, where investigators allege that irregularities in incentive payments to rice millers between 2015 and 2023 caused losses to the state exchequer. The EOW has estimated the alleged irregularities at around ₹127 crore.

Financial Records Under Scrutiny

Investigators said Agrawal's custodial interrogation will focus on his alleged role in financial transactions, contacts with other accused persons and the movement of funds identified during the investigation.

The EOW said questioning will be based on seized documents, digital evidence, financial records and other materials collected during the course of the probe.

Officials are also examining the alleged network of intermediaries, beneficiaries and financial channels connected with the cases.

Investigation Continues

The investigations into the liquor, coal levy and custom milling cases have led to action against several bureaucrats, businessmen and political figures over the past few years.

While investigative agencies have made multiple allegations regarding the flow of funds and alleged corruption, the charges have not yet been judicially proven, and the cases remain under investigation and before the courts.

The outcome of Agrawal's custodial interrogation is expected to play an important role in determining the next phase of the investigation.