The Chhattisgarh LPG scam involving alleged theft and illegal sale of gas worth nearly ₹1.5 crore in Mahasamund district has triggered a major crackdown by police authorities. The investigation has intensified after the arrest of District Food Officer Ajay Yadav, who is now on a three-day remand for detailed questioning. According to officials, the case involves systematic siphoning of LPG from sealed tankers, forged documentation and a coordinated financial network involving officials, agency operators and traders.

Arrest and Remand

Police have identified Ajay Yadav as a key accused in the Chhattisgarh LPG scam, alleging his role as a central planner in the illegal diversion of government-seized gas. He has been booked under charges of criminal conspiracy, fraud, document forgery and causing financial loss to the state exchequer.

Investigators said around 92 tonnes of LPG was allegedly diverted and sold illegally, generating transactions worth nearly ₹80 lakh. Yadav, along with co-accused agency operator Pankaj Chandrakar and trader Manish Choudhary, was produced in court earlier this week.

Money Trail Exposed

The financial investigation has revealed a structured distribution of proceeds in the Chhattisgarh LPG scam. Police sources indicate that out of the illegal earnings, nearly ₹50 lakh is linked to Ajay Yadav, ₹20 lakh to Pankaj Chandrakar and ₹10 lakh to Manish Choudhary.

However, officials have admitted that large portions of the alleged cash remain untraced. Authorities are now examining bank records, property investments and business expansions to trace the remaining money flow.

CCTV Evidence Found

One of the strongest breakthroughs in the Chhattisgarh LPG scam is the recovery of CCTV footage showing meetings between the accused. Police have obtained visuals from a roadside dhaba where Ajay Yadav, Pankaj Chandrakar and Manish Choudhary allegedly held a late-night planning session. Another footage captured their inspection of gas capsules at a police station yard. Investigators believe these meetings played a crucial role in finalising the illegal transfer and sale strategy.

Raid and Seizures

Multiple raids conducted in connection with the Chhattisgarh LPG scam have led to the recovery of documents and consumer goods purchased using suspected illegal funds. However, no major cash recovery has been made so far.

Officials said electronic devices, financial records and agency documents are being analysed. Authorities also raided residences linked to the accused, where they recovered purchase records of appliances and limited cash transactions.

Gas Theft Operation

The core of the Chhattisgarh LPG scam lies in the alleged diversion of LPG from sealed tankers originally seized in December 2025. Police said around six gas capsules containing over 100 metric tonnes were initially secured by authorities.

Investigators claim that after a coordinated meeting in March 2026, the accused devised a plan to siphon gas during custody delays. Over the next few days, nearly 92 tonnes of LPG was allegedly emptied and transferred to private networks. Officials further said that delayed weighing of cylinders and lack of immediate inspection helped facilitate the large-scale theft.

Fake Billing Pattern

Documents seized during the Chhattisgarh LPG scam investigation indicate serious irregularities in billing records. While official records show purchase of around 47 tonnes of LPG, sales of over 107 tonnes were recorded in the same period. This mismatch has raised suspicions of illegal supply chains and unaccounted distribution. Authorities also found that several transactions were conducted without proper invoices, indicating a parallel cash-based system.

Probe Expansion

The Chhattisgarh LPG scam probe has now expanded beyond the three main accused. Police are examining the role of associates, relatives and business partners linked to property purchases and financial transactions since late 2025.

Officials indicated that further arrests and departmental actions are likely as the investigation progresses. CCTV footage, digital records and call data analysis are being used to map the wider network. Authorities have not ruled out action against additional officials if evidence confirms deeper administrative involvement.

What Next in Probe

The investigation team is now focusing on tracing the remaining illegal proceeds and identifying the full supply chain involved in the Chhattisgarh LPG scam. Agencies are also verifying whether similar irregularities occurred in other districts. According to police officials, further forensic analysis and financial audits will determine the scale of the operation and accountability of each accused.

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