The Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing (ACB-EOW) on Monday filed the first chargesheet in the alleged overtime payment scam linked to the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL). The agency named 12 accused in connection with the alleged financial irregularities involving nearly Rs 182.98 crore.

Among those named in the chargesheet are businessman Anwar Dhebar, Naveen Pratap Singh Tomar, Tijauram Nirmalkar, Abhishek Singh, Neeraj Kumar Chaudhary, Ajay Lohia, Ajit Narbale, Amit Prabhakar Salunke, Amit Mittal, N. Uday Rao, Rajiv Dwivedi and Sanjeev Jain. The development marks a major step in the investigation into alleged irregularities in overtime and bonus payments made through manpower agencies associated with liquor retail operations in Chhattisgarh.

Massive Financial Irregularities

According to the investigation agency, the alleged scam took place between the financial years 2019-20 and 2023-24. During this period, large-scale excess payments were allegedly made in the name of overtime wages, bonus payments, additional working days and service charges for employees working at liquor outlets managed by CSMCL. Officials stated that the total amount of suspicious or excess payments reached approximately Rs 182.98 crore. Investigators suspect that fake billing, inflated claims and an illegal commission network were used to divert public money through manpower supply agencies. The case has emerged as one of the major corruption-related India News Update developments in Chhattisgarh and has drawn attention due to the alleged involvement of senior officials, contractors and businessmen.

Agencies Under Scanner

The investigation has revealed the role of several manpower companies that allegedly received large payments from CSMCL during the period under scrutiny. These firms include Sumit Facilities, Primeone Workforce, A-To-Z Infraservices, Alert Commandos and Eagle Hunter Solutions. According to ACB-EOW officials, these companies received around Rs 101.20 crore in the name of overtime payments. Apart from this, nearly Rs 12.21 crore was paid as bonus amounts, while Rs 54.46 crore was allegedly disbursed for four extra working days. Investigators also found that around Rs 15.11 crore was paid as service charges to manpower agencies. Officials suspect that a significant portion of these funds was diverted through an organised commission system involving multiple individuals connected to the liquor distribution network.

Overtime Funds Misused

Sources connected to the probe said genuine employees working at liquor shops were entitled to overtime compensation. However, the alleged manipulation of records and inflated billing resulted in excessive payouts far beyond actual requirements. Investigators believe that forged documentation and fabricated workforce details may have been used to justify higher payments. Officials are also examining whether fake attendance records and inflated manpower data were created to facilitate the alleged fraud. The case gained momentum after enforcement agencies reportedly identified suspicious financial transactions linked to manpower contracts associated with the state-run liquor distribution system.

Cash Recovery Became Key

Officials said the seizure of Rs 28.80 lakh in cash on November 29, 2023 became a major turning point in the investigation. According to investigators, the cash recovery helped uncover what they described as an illegal commission network operating within the overtime payment structure. As agencies connected financial transactions and payment records, investigators allegedly found evidence suggesting that money intended for employee welfare was diverted through middlemen and contractors. The Enforcement Directorate report later formed the basis for the ACB-EOW case registered under sections related to corruption, cheating and criminal conspiracy, including IPC sections 420 and 120-B along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case quickly became part of the Latest News Today coverage in Chhattisgarh due to the scale of the alleged financial irregularities.

Arrests And Court Action

So far, eight accused have been arrested in connection with the case. After completion of police remand, the accused were produced before a special court, which sent them to judicial custody. Among those arrested earlier was CDL Vice President (Marketing) N. Uday Rao, whose role is being examined by investigators. Officials are also probing links between corporate executives, contractors and individuals allegedly connected to the commission system. The agency stated that the first chargesheet is based on evidence collected so far, including financial records, payment approvals, contract details and statements recorded during investigation.

Probe Still Expanding

ACB-EOW officials confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing and additional legal action may follow in the coming weeks. Authorities are now examining the alleged use, investment and transfer of funds generated through the suspected scam. Investigators are also tracking financial trails to identify whether the money was routed into properties, businesses or shell entities. Sources indicated that more individuals connected to manpower contracts and liquor operations may come under scrutiny as the probe progresses.

The agency has not ruled out filing supplementary chargesheets after further examination of digital evidence, banking records and corporate transactions. The alleged scam has triggered political reactions in the state, with opposition parties demanding strict action against those involved. The case is also being closely watched because of its possible implications for governance and financial oversight in state-run corporations.

Bilaspur retired professor duped of ₹1.04 crore in 7-day 'digital arrest' ordeal

A retired college professor in Bilaspur was swindled of over ₹1 crore after cybercriminals kept her under 'digital arrest' for a week, using threats of terror funding charges and harm to her family.

In a chilling case of cyber fraud that underscores the rising vulnerability of senior citizens to digital scams, an 82-year-old retired professor in Bilaspur’s Civil Lines area was defrauded of ₹1.04 crore. The victim, Raman Srivastava, who previously served at DP College, was kept under "digital arrest" for seven days by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officers.

The scammers allegedly used sophisticated psychological pressure, sending forged documents from the Supreme Court and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to convince the victim she was embroiled in a terror funding investigation linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

The initial hook and intimidation

The ordeal began on the morning of April 20, when Prof. Srivastava received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The caller identified himself as ‘Sanjay PSI’ and immediately began interrogating her. According to the police complaint, the fraudster claimed that her bank accounts were being used for money laundering and terror activities.

To solidify the fear, the criminals kept her on a video call for over two hours initially, forbidding her from disconnecting or contacting anyone. They presented fake bank statements and debit cards in her name, claiming her phone was being monitored.

A week of psychological captivity

Between April 20 and April 27, the retired professor did not step out of her house in the Real Heaven colony. The scammers told her that a specialized team was stationed near her residence to arrest her if she attempted to flee or alert the authorities.

"The victim was in such a state of panic that she believed her every move was being watched," a source familiar with the investigation said. Under this immense pressure, she followed the instructions to "clear her name" by transferring funds into what she was told were "government-verified" accounts for auditing.

Staggered transfers of life savings

The financial exploitation happened in phases as the victim desperately tried to avoid jail time. On April 21, she transferred ₹20 lakh, followed by ₹34.20 lakh the next day. By April 24, she had made four major transfers totaling ₹1,04,80,000.

Local authorities confirmed that the victim exhausted almost her entire life savings during this period. The scammers even threatened that if she failed to cooperate, her son—a director at an HR consultancy in Mumbai—and her grandson would also be arrested and jailed.

How the scam was exposed

The fraud came to light on April 27 when the criminals, unsatisfied with the initial haul, sent a fake ED warrant cancellation letter and demanded an additional ₹50 lakh to "permanently close" the case. With her accounts empty, Prof. Srivastava called her son, Prashant, in Mumbai, pleading for the money and crying that she would be sent to jail otherwise.

Sensing something was wrong, Prashant immediately flew to Bilaspur. Upon hearing the details, he realized his mother had been a victim of a "digital arrest" scam and reported the matter to the Range Cyber Police Station.

Rising trend of digital arrests

The Range Cyber Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code. Officials noted that this is not an isolated incident. Between December 2025 and early 2026, Bilaspur has seen a sharp 30-40% increase in digital arrest complaints.

Earlier this year, a local businessman was duped of ₹57 lakh using a similar modus operandi involving money laundering threats. In another case in Raipur, a retired veterinary doctor lost ₹1.28 crore after being intimidated by individuals posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officers.

Police have urged citizens, especially the elderly, to remember that no government agency—be it the Police, CBI, or ED—conducts arrests or investigations via WhatsApp video calls or demands money to "settle" criminal cases.

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.

A major investment fraud case has sent shockwaves through Bollywood after veteran actors Govinda, Chunky Panday, and Shakti Kapoor, along with BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, were named in a First Information Report filed in connection with the alleged Maxizone Touch Private Limited scam. The Ghaziabad-based company reportedly defrauded investors of substantial amounts by promising unrealistic monthly returns.

The Complaint That Sparked Legal Action

The Govinda investment scam case originated from a complaint filed in Jamshedpur court by investors who claim they were lured by promises of approximately 15% monthly returns—a rate financial experts consistently identify as unsustainable and indicative of potential pyramid schemes. According to Bollywood Hungama, victims reported that neither the promised interest payments nor their original capital investments were ever returned.

The complaint triggered police involvement and has since escalated into a multi-agency investigation involving the Enforcement Directorate. For investors across India, this case serves as a stark reminder about the dangers of investment schemes offering extraordinarily high returns, regardless of celebrity endorsements backing them.

Celebrity Names Add Complexity to Investigation

While several individuals have been named in the Maxizone fraud case, the involvement of high-profile entertainment personalities has attracted significant public attention. Investigators believe that the celebrities' association with the company played a crucial role in building credibility and attracting potential investors.

The celebrities named in the FIR include:

• Govinda – Veteran Bollywood actor
• Chunky Panday – Popular character actor
• Shakti Kapoor – Well-known supporting actor
• Manoj Tiwari – Actor and BJP Member of Parliament

Legal experts suggest that celebrity endorsements create powerful psychological triggers, making ordinary investors more susceptible to fraudulent schemes. When trusted public figures appear to support an investment opportunity, people often bypass standard due diligence procedures, assuming the celebrity has verified the legitimacy.

Company Directors Arrested After Three-Year Manhunt

The investigation took a significant turn in September 2025 when Jamshedpur police arrested Chander Bhushan Singh and his wife Priyanka Singh, directors of Maxizone Touch Private Limited. According to law enforcement officials, the couple had evaded arrest for nearly three years before being apprehended.

Authorities allege the company operated a fraudulent multi-level marketing scheme while illegally collecting public funds. The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at multiple company locations as part of a broader investigation into suspected investment and cryptocurrency-related fraud activities.

The Silence from Celebrity Camps

As of now, none of the named celebrities have issued official statements regarding their inclusion in the FIR. This silence has fueled public speculation about the extent of their involvement and whether they were aware of the company's alleged fraudulent operations.

Legal analysts note that celebrity involvement in such cases typically falls into three categories: active participation in fraud, negligent endorsement without proper verification, or unauthorized use of their names and images. The ongoing investigation will likely determine which scenario applies here.

What This Means for Investors

The Govinda investment scam highlights critical lessons for the investing public. Financial advisors consistently warn that legitimate investment opportunities rarely promise double-digit monthly returns. Such claims almost always indicate Ponzi schemes or pyramid structures designed to benefit early participants at the expense of later investors.

Red flags investors should watch for:

• Monthly returns exceeding 10-12% annually (let alone monthly)
• Celebrity endorsements as primary selling points
• Pressure to recruit additional investors
• Vague explanations of business models
• Resistance to providing written documentation

Investigation Continues

Authorities emphasize that the probe remains in its preliminary stages, with investigators working to determine each named individual's level of involvement and culpability. As the case develops, more details about the company's operations and the celebrities' relationships with Maxizone Touch Private Limited are expected to emerge.

This case serves as a sobering reminder that celebrity endorsements should never replace proper financial due diligence, and that investments promising extraordinary returns typically deliver extraordinary losses instead.

In a dramatic escalation of a scandal that began with a cancelled celebrity wedding, music composer Palash Muchhal has filed a ₹10 crore defamation lawsuit against actor-producer Vidnyan Mane. This legal salvo is a direct response to explosive allegations from Mane, who claims Muchhal cheated him of ₹40 lakh in a film deal and was caught in an act of infidelity on his wedding day with cricketer Smriti Mandhana.

The case, now poised for the courts, brings together a combustible mix of financial disputes, sensational personal accusations, and high-profile reputations, ensuring it remains a top story in entertainment and legal circles.

Explosive Allegations: Fraud and a Wedding Day Scandal

The controversy stems from claims made by Vidnyan Mane, who describes himself as a childhood friend of Smriti Mandhana. Mane has filed a complaint with Sangli police, alleging that Muchhal defrauded him of ₹40 lakh related to an unreleased film titled Nazariya.

-   Financial Claims: Mane alleges that in December 2023, Muchhal offered him an investment opportunity, promising a ₹12 lakh profit on a ₹25 lakh investment once the film released on OTT platforms, along with a role in the project. Mane claims he paid a total of ₹40 lakh by March 2025, but the film did not materialize, and his requests for a refund were ignored.

-   Infidelity Allegations: In a separate but linked accusation, Mane told Hindustan Times that he was present at the wedding celebrations on November 23, 2025, when Muchhal was allegedly "caught red-handed with another woman in bed". He claimed the situation turned chaotic, leading to a physical confrontation.

-   Additional Pressure: Mane further alleged that after the wedding was called off, Muchhal's mother pressured him to invest an additional ₹10 lakh, threatening that he would otherwise lose his prior investment.

Muchhal's Forceful Denial and Legal Counterattack

Palash Muchhal has categorically denied all allegations, labeling them as a malicious attempt to tarnish his reputation.

-   Official Statement: On Instagram, Muchhal stated the claims are "entirely baseless and factually incorrect" and asserted that his lawyer, Shreyansh Mithare, is pursuing all legal avenues.

-   The Defamation Suit: The primary legal action is a ₹10 crore defamation notice served to Vidnyan Mane. Muchhal calls the accusations "false, outrageous and highly defamatory".

-   Legal Team's Defense: Advocate Shreyansh Mithare has publicly questioned the credibility of Mane's claims. He pointedly asked for evidence of the alleged financial transactions and the infidelity, noting the accusations only surfaced after Muchhal's wedding was cancelled.

The Silent Aftermath: Social Media and Unanswered Questions

Amid the legal fray, telling actions have unfolded online. Muchhal has deleted several Instagram posts that featured Smriti Mandhana, including affectionate birthday tributes and festive pictures. This digital cleanup, noticed by fans, adds a layer of personal finality to the public dispute.

The core relationship at the heart of the scandal remains private. Smriti Mandhana has not commented on the recent allegations. The wedding was initially postponed in November 2025 due to a family health emergency and was later officially called off in December.

Why This Story Captivates: Celebrity, Scandal, and the Court of Public Opinion

This case transcends a simple financial dispute. It taps into perennial public fascinations with celebrity relationships, trust, and betrayal. The involvement of a national cricket star and a popular music composer has guaranteed intense media scrutiny and social media debate.

Legal experts observe that the lawsuit shifts the battle from the court of public opinion to a court of law, where claims will require verifiable evidence. For now, the public is left with sharply contrasting narratives, a deleted digital history, and a high-stakes legal battle that promises more developments.