A major financial irregularity has surfaced in Chhattisgarh with the exposure of the CSMCL overtime scam, involving alleged misappropriation of ₹115 crore meant for employees. The Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing (ACB-EOW) have arrested two individuals linked to a manpower supply agency, marking a significant development in the ongoing probe.

The case relates to overtime payments sanctioned for staff deployed at government-run liquor outlets under the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL).

Arrests and Charges

Officials confirmed the arrest of Abhishek Kumar Singh, a field officer, and Tijau Ram Nirmalkar, an accountant associated with Eagle Hunter Solution Limited. Both have been remanded to police custody until April 27 by a special court.

According to investigators, the duo allegedly handled cash withdrawals from company accounts and facilitated the transfer of funds to other accused individuals.

How Scam Operated

Preliminary findings suggest that overtime shifts were recorded only on paper. While records showed employees working additional hours, the corresponding payments never reached them.

Instead, agencies allegedly withdrew the sanctioned funds and diverted them as commissions. Investigators suspect a network involving private individuals and certain officials who shared the proceeds. The scam reportedly spans financial years from 2019–20 to 2023–24.

ED Probe Trigger

The case traces back to a prior Action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On November 29, 2023, officials recovered ₹28.80 lakh in cash from three suspects in Raipur.

Subsequent analysis linked the seized amount to unpaid overtime wages of liquor shop employees. Based on these findings, ACB-EOW registered a case under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC sections related to fraud and criminal conspiracy.

Financial Trail Under Scan

Investigators are currently examining bank transactions, digital records, and payment trails to establish the full extent of the alleged diversion.

Sources indicated that the money flow points towards systematic withdrawals and redistribution among multiple beneficiaries. The role of senior officials and politically connected individuals is also under scrutiny. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the probe expands.

Impact on Workers

The alleged scam has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of contractual workers. Employees who were shown as having worked overtime reportedly did not receive their rightful dues.

This has triggered questions over monitoring mechanisms within government-linked corporations and the accountability of outsourced manpower agencies. The case is being seen as a significant public interest story, highlighting systemic loopholes in financial oversight.

What Lies Ahead

The ACB-EOW is expected to intensify its investigation in the coming days, focusing on uncovering the broader network behind the scam. Officials are also analysing digital evidence to identify additional accused.

As the CSMCL overtime scam probe deepens, more revelations are likely, potentially leading to action against higher-level officials.