High Court Rejects Bail of Suryakant Tiwari’s Driver in Coal Levy Case

Narayan Sahu, accused in the Chhattisgarh coal levy scam, was described by the High Court as an “active member” of the alleged extortion network, not merely a driver. The court cited prima facie evidence linked to cash collection and transfer operations.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has rejected the bail plea of Narayan Sahu, driver of businessman Suryakant Tiwari, in the alleged coal levy scam being investigated by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The court observed that Sahu was not just employed as a driver but was allegedly an active participant in the wider illegal collection network linked to the case.

The order came after detailed arguments from both sides regarding Sahu’s alleged role in handling cash collections and transfers tied to the purported coal levy syndicate operating in the state.

Bail Plea Rejected

Narayan Sahu had approached the High Court after his earlier bail application was dismissed by the EOW special court. He was arrested around two months ago after remaining absconding for nearly two years, according to investigating agencies.

In his plea, Sahu argued that no concrete evidence had been recovered against him and claimed he had merely worked as a driver for Suryakant Tiwari. He also alleged that pressure had earlier been exerted on him to give statements against others before he was eventually made an accused in the case.

However, the court did not accept these submissions at this stage of the investigation.

Court Cites Evidence

During the hearing, the state government opposed the bail application, stating that investigators had uncovered material linking Sahu to alleged illegal cash transactions worth around Rs 13 crore.

According to the prosecution, Sahu played a role in the collection and transfer of money generated through the alleged coal levy mechanism. Agencies further argued that he repeatedly avoided questioning and failed to cooperate with the investigation.

The High Court noted that non-bailable warrants had earlier been issued against him during the course of the probe.

Handwritten Diary Entries

The court also referred to documents and handwritten diary entries allegedly recovered during the investigation. Officials claimed multiple entries carried references to Narayan Sahu, indicating his involvement in financial operations linked to the network.

The High Court, while rejecting bail, observed that the agencies possessed sufficient prima facie material suggesting Sahu’s active association with the alleged extortion setup.

Investigators have also alleged that properties were purchased in Sahu’s name by businessman Suryakant Tiwari, strengthening suspicions regarding his role beyond that of an employee.

Coal Levy Scam Probe

The alleged Chhattisgarh coal levy scam first surfaced during raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Central agencies have claimed that an illegal levy was collected from coal transporters and traders through manipulation of permit systems.

According to the ED, online coal transport permits were allegedly converted into offline approvals, enabling illegal collections from transport operators and traders.

The agency has estimated the alleged illegal recovery at over Rs 570 crore.

Several Officials Named

The case has led to FIRs against 36 individuals, including former ministers, bureaucrats and businessmen. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and EOW are currently conducting parallel investigations based on the ED’s findings.

Among those arrested earlier in the case are IAS officers Ranu Sahu and Sameer Vishnoi, former deputy secretary Soumya Chaurasia, mining official S.S. Nag, and businessman Suryakant Tiwari.

Investigators allege that a system was created under which coal traders were forced to pay Rs 25 per tonne in exchange for transport clearances and permit approvals.

Political And Legal Attention

The coal levy scam has remained one of the most politically sensitive investigations in Chhattisgarh over the past few years. Multiple charge sheets have already been filed, and agencies continue to examine financial records, property links and transaction trails.

With the High Court refusing relief to Narayan Sahu, the investigation is expected to focus further on the alleged money movement network and the role of individuals associated with the accused businessman.

The matter is likely to see additional hearings in the coming weeks as agencies continue their probe into the Chhattisgarh coal levy scam.