The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted searches at seven locations across Chhattisgarh as part of its money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) recruitment process. One of the premises searched was linked to K K Chandrakar, who served as a personal assistant to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, officials said. 

The searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). As of the latest reports, the Enforcement Directorate has not disclosed details of any seizures, arrests or recoveries made during Tuesday's operation.

The action comes as the agency continues to investigate alleged corruption, question-paper leaks and manipulation in CGPSC State Service Examinations conducted in 2020 and 2021.

Seven locations searched across Chhattisgarh

According to officials, ED teams carried out searches at seven locations in the state on Tuesday. The premises of K K Chandrakar, a former PA to Bhupesh Baghel, were among the locations covered by the operation. 

Reports from Bhilai said an ED team reached Chandrakar's residence early in the morning and examined documents and other material. Security personnel were also deployed around the premises during the search.

Details about the other locations have not been officially disclosed in the latest ED information available.

Probe linked to alleged CGPSC recruitment irregularities

The ED investigation relates to allegations of corruption and manipulation in the recruitment process conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission.

The agency's money-laundering case originated from a 2024 FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The underlying allegations include question-paper leaks and manipulation of the selection process in the 2020 and 2021 CGPSC State Service Examinations. 

The investigation has focused on allegations that candidates and relatives of influential individuals benefited from irregularities in the recruitment process.

Former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani arrested

The latest searches follow the ED's arrest of former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani on July 25, 2026.

According to the ED's official records, Sonwani was arrested under the PMLA in connection with the case involving alleged corruption, question-paper leaks and manipulation of the CGPSC State Service Examinations held in 2020 and 2021. He was subsequently produced before the Special Court (PMLA) in Raipur. 

The agency has alleged that Sonwani facilitated the leakage of examination papers and manipulation of the selection process in exchange for illegal gratification. Investigators are examining the alleged financial transactions connected with the recruitment irregularities.

CBI case preceded ED investigation

The money-laundering probe is based on the CBI case registered in 2024. The CBI had earlier investigated allegations of irregularities in CGPSC recruitment and arrested Sonwani in connection with the case.

The ED subsequently began examining the alleged proceeds of crime and financial transactions associated with the recruitment-related allegations.

According to information cited by investigators, the alleged irregularities relate to recruitment examinations conducted during the period when Sonwani headed the commission.

ED yet to disclose search findings

While the searches are underway, the agency has not yet released a detailed statement on what was found at the seven premises.

Therefore, claims regarding specific recoveries, financial transactions or the involvement of individual persons should not be treated as established unless confirmed by the ED or another investigating authority.

The outcome of Tuesday's searches is expected to provide further details about the agency's investigation and the alleged financial trail connected with the CGPSC case.

The investigation remains ongoing, and allegations made by investigating agencies are subject to further legal proceedings and judicial determination.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) provisional attachment of a luxury hotel in Goa in connection with the alleged liquor scam and money laundering case.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal held that the investigating agency had sufficient material to proceed with the attachment. The court directed the petitioners to present their case before the appropriate tribunal or competent authority.

The petition was filed by New Delhi-based Dr Rahul Agrawal and M/s Pacifica Hotels India Pvt Ltd, challenging the ED’s provisional attachment order dated May 28, 2026.

Westin Hotel Attached by ED

The property under attachment is the five-star The Westin Hotel in Anjuna, North Goa. The hotel has been valued at around ₹110 crore and was treated by the ED as property allegedly acquired from proceeds of crime.

The attachment followed an investigation into the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor syndicate and money laundering activities.

The petitioners had sought cancellation of the ED’s provisional attachment order, arguing that the money used in the hotel transaction came from legitimate business sources.

ED’s ₹110 Crore Money Trail Claim

According to the ED, around ₹110 crore in alleged illegal proceeds generated through the Chhattisgarh liquor syndicate was transferred in cash to Vijay Kumar Agrawal, a resident of Durg and the uncle of Rahul Agrawal.

The agency alleged that the money was subsequently used by Rahul Agrawal to acquire the Westin hotel in Goa.

The hotel transaction was reportedly carried out with M/s Sir Biotech India Ltd. According to the ED, ₹50 crore was paid through banking channels under the registered sale deed, while another ₹60 crore was allegedly paid in cash.

Petitioners Dispute ED Allegations

The petitioners told the High Court that the ₹60 crore cash component used in the transaction represented legitimate business income.

They relied on orders of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and argued that the Income Tax Department had examined the source of the money and treated it as legitimate business cash rather than undisclosed income.

The petitioners also submitted that Vijay Agrawal had resigned as a company director under a family settlement dated May 1, 2019. According to their argument, he had no subsequent connection with the hotel project.

They further claimed that Vijay Agrawal had never been directly or indirectly associated with the Chhattisgarh liquor business and was not named as an accused in the original FIR or charge sheet.

ED Cites Statements in Investigation

The ED told the court that its investigation had established a money trail through statements recorded from alleged cash distributors in the liquor syndicate.

The agency referred to statements by Lakshmi Narayan alias Pappu Bansal and Prabir Kumar Sharma, who allegedly provided information about ₹110 crore being delivered in cash to Vijay Agrawal.

The ED also cited a statement recorded under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), in which it alleged that Rahul Agrawal acknowledged receiving ₹60 crore in cash in eight to ten instalments at his residence in New Friends Colony, Delhi.

The agency further claimed that Vishal Saxena, who allegedly collected cash on behalf of the seller, was subsequently appointed as a director of the hotel company. The ED described this as an indication of the alleged “integration” stage of money laundering.

Court Rejects Tax Argument

The High Court observed that the Income Tax Department treating a particular cash amount as accounted for for taxation purposes does not automatically exclude that money from scrutiny under the PMLA.

The court noted that tax laws and the PMLA operate under different objectives, scopes and legal standards. Therefore, an assessment under income-tax proceedings could not by itself prevent an investigation into whether the money represented proceeds of crime under the money-laundering law.

Hotel Continues Normal Operations

The court also noted that the provisional attachment had not stopped the hotel from operating.

According to the order, the hotel continues to function normally, with no rooms having been shut and no employees having been removed because of the attachment.

The division bench dismissed the petition while allowing the petitioners to raise their contentions before the appropriate tribunal or competent authority.

The ruling comes amid continuing investigations into the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam and related money-laundering proceedings.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at nine premises in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged bogus Input Tax Credit (ITC) network. The searches were carried out by the agency's Lucknow Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, covering locations in Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Faridabad in Haryana. According to officials, the case involves an alleged fraudulent ITC scheme worth nearly ₹19.91 crore. 

What ED investigation found

The investigation stems from alleged fraudulent transactions involving an import-export company. According to the findings cited by the authorities, the entities involved allegedly generated and transferred bogus ITC using fabricated invoices and e-way bills without any actual movement of goods. The suspected network allegedly used multiple fictitious and non-existent entities to create the appearance of genuine commercial transactions. 

Officials said the alleged fraud involved the fraudulent availment of ₹9.63 crore in ITC, while another ₹10.28 crore was allegedly passed on through the network. The combined amount represents the alleged wrongful loss to government revenue under the transactions being investigated. The ED is treating the proceeds linked to the alleged activity as proceeds of crime under the PMLA. 

Money trail under scrutiny

Investigators are examining financial records, digital material and other documents recovered during the searches to establish the flow of funds and identify people or entities that may have benefited from the alleged transactions. The suspected modus operandi involved circular transactions and layering of funds through several entities, followed by withdrawals or transfers, according to officials. 

Bogus ITC cases generally involve invoices being issued or circulated without a corresponding supply of goods or services, allowing entities to claim or pass on tax credit that is not backed by genuine business activity. The ED has previously investigated similar networks involving fictitious entities created specifically for the generation and circulation of fraudulent ITC. 

Probe continues

The latest searches are part of the ED's investigation into the money-laundering aspects of the alleged tax fraud. The agency's broader enforcement activity under the PMLA includes cases involving fraudulent ITC utilisation and layering of funds through shell or non-existent entities. 

The investigation is continuing, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the searches and the subsequent tracing of the alleged money trail. At this stage, the allegations remain subject to investigation and any further proceedings that may follow under applicable law.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on the alleged Bharatmala Project land compensation scam in Chhattisgarh by provisionally attaching 62 properties worth around ₹12.78 crore linked to the Gandhi-Tiwari family. The action is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in compensation paid for land acquired under the Raipur–Visakhapatnam National Highway project.

According to the ED, the attached assets include land parcels, residential properties and other immovable assets, along with investments allegedly created using proceeds of the suspected fraud.

Assets Attached Under PMLA

The Raipur Zonal Office of the ED issued Provisional Attachment Order No. 17/2026 on July 31, attaching properties allegedly acquired through illegally obtained compensation.

The agency stated that investigations revealed a conspiracy involving landowners, brokers and revenue officials, who allegedly manipulated land records after the acquisition notification to obtain inflated compensation.

Land Allegedly Split to Claim Higher Compensation

According to the ED, several land parcels were transferred among family members through sale deeds and gift deedsbefore acquisition.

The agency alleges that these transactions enabled the land to be divided into smaller holdings, allowing beneficiaries to claim compensation beyond their legitimate entitlement under the acquisition rules.

Investigators claim the strategy resulted in crores of rupees in excess compensation, with the funds subsequently invested in real estate and financial instruments.

Properties and Financial Investments Under Scanner

Besides immovable assets, the ED has also attached shares and mutual fund investments worth ₹4.69 crore allegedly purchased using the proceeds of the suspected fraud.

The agency has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint before a special court against 14 accused, including businessman Jai Prakash Gandhi, in connection with the money laundering investigation.

Businessman, Woman Among Key Accused

The ED had earlier arrested Jai Prakash Gandhi in June 2026. During previous searches, officials recovered ₹49 lakh in cash and silver worth approximately ₹89 lakh from premises linked to him.

Investigators allege that Gandhi and his family were legitimately entitled to receive ₹56.76 lakh as compensation but were instead paid around ₹9.83 crore, resulting in an alleged wrongful gain of nearly ₹9.27 crore.

The agency further alleged that Uma Tiwari fraudulently claimed to be the adopted daughter of a deceased landowner and, using allegedly forged revenue documents, received around ₹2.13 crore in compensation.

Probe Originated From EOW-ACB FIR

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered on April 23, 2025, by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Chhattisgarh.

The FIR named former Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) and Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) Nirbhay Sahu, along with several others, over alleged irregularities in compensation payments. A chargesheet has already been filed in the predicate offence.

Over ₹36 Crore Assets Attached So Far

With the latest attachment, the ED said the total value of assets attached in the Bharatmala land compensation scam has reached ₹36.14 crore.

The agency said investigations are continuing and further action may follow as it examines the role of additional beneficiaries, middlemen and public officials allegedly involved in the case.

 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the alleged Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) recruitment scam after former CGPSC chairman Taman Sonwani was produced before a special court on Friday. The court remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody, allowing the agency to expand its probe into the alleged money laundering and financial transactions linked to the case.

The ED is now expected to investigate the alleged money trail, examine financial transactions, and identify individuals who may have benefited from the recruitment process through illegal means.

CBI Earlier Arrested Sonwani

Before the ED's action, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested Taman Sonwani and a Raipur-based businessman in connection with the alleged recruitment irregularities.

Investigating agencies have alleged that the recruitment process for several gazetted posts, including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and other state civil services positions, was manipulated to favour relatives of influential political and bureaucratic figures.

Question Paper Allegedly Shared at Official Residence

According to the CBI's investigation, the recruitment examination question paper was allegedly made available to selected candidates at Sonwani's official residence before the examination.

The agency further claims that the paper was subsequently passed through former Deputy Examination Controller Lalit Ganveer to a businessman. The businessman’s son and daughter-in-law allegedly prepared using the leaked paper and were later selected as Deputy Collectors.

These allegations remain under investigation.

ED to Summon More Individuals

The alleged irregularities relate to the CGPSC State Service Examination 2021, conducted for 171 vacancies.

Following allegations of paper leaks, favouritism and manipulation in the recruitment process, the Chhattisgarh government transferred the investigation to the CBI. With the ED now examining the financial aspect of the case, several individuals suspected of being linked to the money trail are likely to receive notices for questioning in the coming days.

Officials said the investigation will focus on identifying illegal financial transactions connected to the recruitment process and uncovering any broader network involved in the alleged scam.

Background of the Recruitment Controversy

The alleged scam pertains to recruitment conducted by CGPSC between 2020 and 2022. Investigators suspect that transparency in written examinations and interviews was compromised to facilitate the selection of candidates linked to politically influential and senior administrative families.

The recruitment process has been under scrutiny for allegedly overlooking deserving candidates while favouring selected individuals for prestigious government positions.

Recruitment Timeline

The CGPSC State Service Examination 2021 was conducted to fill 171 posts.

• Preliminary Examination: 13 February 2022

• Qualified for Mains: 2,565 candidates

• Main Examination: 26–29 May 2022

• Qualified for Interview: 509 candidates

• Final Selection List Released: 11 May 2023

• Total Selected Candidates: 170

The CBI has already filed multiple charge sheets in the case, naming several accused and alleging widespread irregularities in the recruitment process. The ED's investigation is expected to complement the criminal probe by tracing alleged proceeds of crime and financial transactions associated with the scam.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (IT) Department have launched a joint search operation at the residences and business premises of liquor businessmen Raghavendra Saraf and Rupesh Saraf in Chhattisgarh's Baloda Bazar district, with officials scrutinising financial and property-related records.

According to sources, ED officials reached Baloda Bazar on the night of July 24 and kept the premises under surveillance before initiating searches the following morning. The operation has continued for the second consecutive day, with teams from both agencies examining documents and questioning individuals associated with the businesses.

Financial Records Under Scanner

Officials are conducting detailed searches across the premises, examining diaries, bank account records, property documents and other financial files. Family members and persons connected to the businesses are also being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not officially disclosed the exact nature of the probe or the allegations being investigated.

Prominent Business Family

The Saraf family is among the well-known business families in Baloda Bazar. The late Rajkumar Saraf had established multiple business ventures in the district. Following his death, his sons, Raghavendra Saraf and Rupesh Saraf, took over the family businesses, which reportedly include liquor trading, real estate operations and a brass manufacturing unit.

Sources indicated that investigators suspect possible financial irregularities, prompting the coordinated action by the ED and the Income Tax Department.

Search Continues for Second Day

Officials are reported to have seized several documents during the searches, which are being examined for further investigation. Based on material recovered during the ED operation, the Income Tax Department is also carrying out its own scrutiny as part of the joint exercise.

Police personnel have been deployed outside the premises to maintain security while the search operation continues.

No Official Statement Yet

Neither the Enforcement Directorate nor the Income Tax Department has issued an official statement explaining the reasons behind the searches or the scope of the investigation.

Authorities have also not confirmed whether any cash, valuables or incriminating evidence has been recovered during the operation. Further action is expected after investigators complete the examination of the seized documents and records.

 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally entered the investigation into the alleged Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) recruitment scam, shifting the focus to suspected money laundering linked to the recruitment process. The agency has arrested former CGPSC chairman and retired IAS officer Taman Singh Sonwani, who was already in judicial custody in the case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A special court in Raipur on Saturday granted the ED seven days of custodial remand, allowing the agency to question Sonwani until July 31. Investigators are expected to probe the alleged financial transactions, illicit proceeds and the network of individuals suspected of benefiting from the recruitment process.

ED Probes Alleged Financial Trail

Appearing for the ED, advocate Saurabh Pandey told the court that the investigation had uncovered allegations that money was collected in exchange for the selection of candidates in the CGPSC recruitment process.

According to the ED, a Rural Development Committee was allegedly used as a channel for financial transactions. The agency claimed that ₹45 lakh was transferred from Bajrang Power Limited to the committee's account through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

The ED further alleged that most members of the committee were either relatives or close associates of Sonwani, and that the committee was used to facilitate financial transactions linked to the recruitment process.

CBI Had Earlier Arrested Sonwani

The CBI had arrested Sonwani nearly two years ago in connection with alleged irregularities in the CGPSC recruitment process. Along with him, Shravan Kumar Goyal, director of Bajrang Power and Ispat Limited, was also arrested.

The CBI alleges that influential individuals paid money to secure the selection of their relatives for prestigious government posts, including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and other gazetted positions.

Allegations of Favouritism

According to the CBI, large-scale irregularities occurred during Sonwani's tenure as CGPSC chairman. Investigators have alleged that relatives of senior politicians, bureaucrats and other influential individuals were favoured during the recruitment process.

The agency claims to have gathered documentary evidence indicating financial transactions connected to the alleged manipulation of selections.

Paper Leak Allegations

The CBI investigation alleges that confidential examination papers were first taken to Sonwani's residence, where copies were allegedly made before being resealed and returned for printing.

Investigators claim that leaked question papers were later passed through intermediaries to Shravan Goyal, whose son and daughter-in-law allegedly prepared using the leaked material before both were selected as Deputy Collectors.

The agency has maintained that these allegations form part of a larger conspiracy involving examination officials and private individuals.

Recruitment Process Under Scrutiny

The alleged scam relates to CGPSC recruitment conducted between 2020 and 2022. Authorities suspect that transparency in the examination and interview process was compromised to favour candidates linked to politically and administratively influential families.

The examination was conducted to fill 171 government posts. The preliminary examination was held in February 2022, followed by the mains examination in May 2022. The final selection list of 170 candidates was published in May 2023.

Investigation Continues

With the ED now examining the financial dimension of the alleged scam, investigators are expected to focus on tracing the flow of funds, identifying beneficiaries and determining whether proceeds of crime were generated through the recruitment process.

The allegations remain under investigation. The guilt or innocence of the accused will be determined through the judicial process.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the financial affairs of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by summoning Subhasish Chakraborty, treasurer of the Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction and former Rajya Sabha MP. He has been directed to appear before the agency later this week with documents related to the party's bank accounts as investigators examine an alleged ₹164 crore discrepancy.

According to ED sources, Chakraborty was served the summons because he is the authorised signatory for the Kalighat faction's three official bank accounts. Investigators are seeking financial records and transaction details as part of a wider probe into the management and movement of party funds.

The ED action comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is embroiled in a legal dispute before the Calcutta High Court over the ownership of the party's election symbol and control of its bank accounts following the political split within the organisation.

₹164 Crore Discrepancy Under Scanner

The investigation gained momentum after proceedings in the Calcutta High Court reportedly brought to light an alleged discrepancy of nearly ₹164 crore in the party's financial records. The issue prompted the central agency to widen its inquiry and seek additional documentation from those responsible for managing the accounts.

Officials believe Chakraborty's role as the authorised signatory makes him a key witness in understanding the transactions and operation of the accounts under investigation.

Reacting to the summons, Chakraborty said he would first consult senior party leaders before deciding his next course of action. Sources indicated that he has also sought additional time from the ED before appearing for questioning.

High Court Battle Over Party Accounts

The financial probe is closely linked to the ongoing legal battle arising from the split within the Trinamool Congress after the Assembly election defeat.

The Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction and the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction are both claiming to be the legitimate Trinamool Congress. The dispute extends beyond political leadership to the ownership of the party's election symbol and its financial assets.

Before Chakraborty's appointment, senior leader Aroop Biswas served as the party's treasurer. After joining the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction, Biswas reportedly moved to freeze the party's three bank accounts. The Kalighat faction subsequently appointed Chakraborty as treasurer and challenged the move before the Calcutta High Court.

At present, Chakraborty continues to remain the authorised signatory for all three disputed bank accounts.

Factional Split Deepens Political Crisis

The internal division has significantly altered the political landscape within the party. According to claims made during the legal proceedings, the Ritobrata Banerjee faction enjoys the support of 68 MLAs, while the remaining legislators continue to back Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat camp.

The High Court is currently examining the competing claims over the party's organisational control, election symbol and financial assets. Meanwhile, the ED is conducting a separate investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.

Earlier ED Visit Also Drew Attention

The latest summons follows an incident last month when ED officials visited Mamata Banerjee's residence during the course of the investigation. According to agency sources, Chakraborty allegedly prevented officials from entering the residence in the absence of the Chief Minister.

That incident further heightened tensions between the agency and the party leadership, while the financial investigation continued independently.

Investigation Continues

The ED is expected to examine banking records, financial transactions and related documents after Chakraborty's appearance. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the alleged discrepancy involves procedural lapses or financial irregularities requiring further legal action.

The outcome of both the High Court proceedings and the ED investigation is likely to have significant implications for the ongoing dispute over the Trinamool Congress's organisational and financial control.

The ruling comes nearly 15 years after the controversy first emerged and marks an important legal development in one of the most closely watched cases linked to the IPL's early years.

The case dates back to 2009, when the second season of the IPL was shifted from India to South Africa due to security concerns arising from the Lok Sabha elections. With security forces deployed for election duties across the country, cricket administrators decided to move the tournament overseas, a decision that ultimately allowed the event to proceed without disruption.

However, the financial arrangements related to the relocation later came under scrutiny.

The Enforcement Directorate alleged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had remitted approximately USD 49.8 million abroad for conducting the tournament in South Africa without obtaining prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), allegedly violating provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Following investigations, the ED issued show-cause notices in 2011 and later imposed penalties in 2018 on Lalit Modi, certain former BCCI office-bearers and others associated with the matter.

The penalties were challenged before the appellate tribunal functioning under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, commonly known as SAFEMA.

In its detailed order, the tribunal concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish Lalit Modi's direct responsibility for the transactions in question.

According to the findings, no concrete material was produced to prove that Modi personally authorised or controlled the disputed remittances. The tribunal further observed that he was not in charge of all BCCI affairs and that the case against him lacked the evidentiary foundation required to sustain the penalty.

The order effectively cancels the financial penalty imposed on him by the ED in the matter.

The ruling is likely to attract considerable attention because of Lalit Modi's role in the creation and expansion of the IPL. Widely regarded as one of the architects of the tournament, Modi played a key role in transforming the league into one of the world's most commercially successful sporting competitions.

At the same time, his career has remained intertwined with multiple legal and administrative disputes since his departure from Indian cricket administration.

The IPL's move to South Africa in 2009 remains one of the most significant decisions in the league's history. Despite concerns over logistics and scheduling, the tournament was successfully conducted overseas. The season concluded with Deccan Chargers defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final to win their only IPL title.

Reacting to the latest decision, Lalit Modi maintained that he had always acted in the interests of Indian cricket and the IPL. He stated that he had not committed any personal wrongdoing and described the verdict as an affirmation that allegations must ultimately be judged on evidence and legal principles.

Legal observers note that the tribunal's ruling specifically addresses the FEMA-related penalty and does not automatically determine the outcome of any separate proceedings that may have been examined independently by investigative agencies.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on the tribunal's findings so far. It remains unclear whether the agency will seek further legal remedies or challenge the order before a higher judicial forum.

For now, the verdict represents a notable victory for Lalit Modi in a case that has remained active for more than a decade and has frequently resurfaced in discussions surrounding the governance, finances and global expansion of the IPL.

The complaint was registered at Kotwali police station after the victim claimed he was promised a canteen contract at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) and jobs in the Enforcement Directorate for two youths. Neither of the promises materialised despite substantial payments allegedly being made over a period of time.

According to police, the complainant, Devendra Thakkar, a resident of Tikerapara associated with the Railway Maharashtra Division, came into contact with Rahul Mishra and his wife Padma Janardan while visiting SIMS Hospital.

During their interactions, Rahul Mishra allegedly introduced himself as an influential ED officer and claimed that he could arrange a canteen contract at SIMS Hospital in Bilaspur. He also reportedly assured the family that he could secure employment in the Enforcement Directorate for the complainant’s son and one of his friends.

Believing the claims, the family allegedly agreed to pay money for the promised arrangements.

Investigators said the accused couple allegedly collected funds through multiple instalments. The payments were reportedly made both through bank transactions and cash. The total amount transferred to the accused is stated to be ₹6.82 lakh.

As months passed without any progress regarding the canteen contract or employment opportunities, the complainant began to suspect that he had been misled.

According to the complaint, repeated inquiries yielded no concrete results. When the promised contract and jobs failed to materialise, Devendra Thakkar allegedly demanded that the money be returned.

The complainant has claimed that after sustained pressure and repeated demands, the accused returned a portion of the amount. However, an outstanding sum of approximately ₹1.62 lakh remains unpaid, according to the allegations made before police.

Realising that he may have been cheated, Thakkar approached Kotwali police and submitted a written complaint detailing the sequence of events and the payments allegedly made to the accused.

Based on the complaint and preliminary verification, police registered a case of cheating against Rahul Mishra and Padma Janardan.

Officials said the investigation is currently focused on examining bank transactions, financial records and communication between the parties. Investigators are also attempting to verify the claims allegedly made by the accused regarding their identity and influence within government agencies.

Police have not indicated whether the accused held any official position or had any connection with the Enforcement Directorate. That aspect is expected to form a key part of the investigation.

The case highlights a recurring pattern of fraud in which individuals allegedly exploit the names of government departments and law enforcement agencies to gain trust and extract money from job seekers and business aspirants.

Authorities have repeatedly advised citizens to verify official claims before making payments for employment opportunities, government contracts or recruitment-related assurances. Recruitment to government organisations and agencies follows prescribed procedures, and officials caution that promises of direct appointments in exchange for money should be treated with suspicion.

The Kotwali police are continuing the investigation and are expected to record additional statements from the complainant and other individuals connected to the case. Further action will depend on the findings of the financial and documentary examination.

Sports presenter and former Bigg Boss 13 contestant Shefali Bagga appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for a second consecutive day of questioning on Friday in connection with the Mahadev online betting app money laundering case. She reached the ED's zonal office in Raipur around 11 am, where officials continued recording her statement.

Bagga had earlier been questioned for nearly five hours on Thursday after appearing before the agency in response to a fresh summons. According to the ED, she had not appeared despite receiving multiple earlier summons.

ED Probing Alleged Promotion of Betting Apps

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the alleged promotion of online betting applications linked to the Mahadev betting network.

According to the agency, digital evidence recovered during the investigation suggests that Shefali Bagga allegedly promoted betting platforms operated from overseas, particularly from Dubai and London. Investigators claim they have identified promotional content and online material allegedly featuring the sports presenter.

The agency is also examining whether she received any financial benefits for promoting these platforms.

Telegram Channel Under Scanner

The ED has alleged that Bagga used a Telegram channel to share betting-related promotional links, referral codes and betting tips.

Officials are analysing digital records, communication details and financial transactions to determine whether there was any monetary connection with the Mahadev betting syndicate or its associates.

Alleged Links to Hawala Operator

The investigation is also focusing on the alleged connection between Bagga and Khanjan Jagdish Kumar Thakkar, whom the ED has described as a key hawala operator associated with the Mahadev Online Book network.

The agency is examining the nature of the alleged relationship and any financial transactions between the two.

Shefali Bagga Denies Allegations

Speaking to reporters after Thursday's questioning, Shefali Bagga denied all allegations against her.

She maintained that the accusations were "completely false" and said she was cooperating with the investigation.

Background

The Mahadev Online Book case is one of India's largest alleged online betting and money laundering investigations. The Enforcement Directorate has been probing the network for alleged illegal betting operations, hawala transactions and money laundering involving multiple individuals, promoters and financial intermediaries.

The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been established against Shefali Bagga at this stage.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday produced businessman Vikas Garg, an accused in the multi-crore Mahadev Online Betting App money laundering case, before a special court in Raipur after securing his transit remand from Delhi. The agency is expected to seek his custodial interrogation to investigate the alleged financial network, money laundering transactions and links with other accused connected to the online betting syndicate.

Garg was arrested by the ED in New Delhi on July 14. A Delhi court granted the central agency 24-hour transit remand, allowing officials to bring him to Chhattisgarh for further legal proceedings. His production before the Raipur court marks the latest development in one of India's largest ongoing investigations into illegal online betting and money laundering.

ED to probe financial network

According to the Enforcement Directorate, Garg is suspected of playing a significant role in handling financial transactions linked to the Mahadev betting network. Investigators are expected to question him regarding the movement of funds, the structure of the alleged betting syndicate, and the involvement of other individuals connected to the operation.

The agency had recently attached assets worth ₹940.77 crore allegedly linked to companies controlled by Garg. These properties form part of the broader investigation into proceeds of crime generated through illegal online betting operations.

Money laundering through shell companies

The ED has alleged that money generated from the Mahadev betting platform was routed through shell companies and layered financial transactions to disguise its origin.

Investigators claim that nearly ₹940.77 crore in proceeds of crime was channelled into companies associated with Garg. The funds were allegedly invested in shares, commercial ventures and other assets to legitimise money earned through unlawful betting activities.

The agency believes the syndicate operated through a franchise-based panel system managed from overseas, enabling large-scale illegal betting operations across multiple Indian states.

Illegal betting network under scanner

The ED initiated its investigation based on FIRs registered by Chhattisgarh Police in Durg district, along with criminal cases filed in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and other states.

According to the agency, the betting syndicate generated illegal proceeds exceeding ₹450 crore every month through online gaming and betting platforms operating under the Mahadev brand.

Officials have maintained that the investigation is continuing to identify additional beneficiaries, financial facilitators and entities linked to the alleged money laundering network.

Assets worth ₹3,800 crore attached

The Mahadev Online Book investigation has witnessed several rounds of enforcement action over the past few years.

Before the latest attachment, the ED had already attached, seized or frozen movable, immovable and overseas assets worth approximately ₹2,825 crore. With the addition of properties linked to Vikas Garg, the total value of assets attached in the Mahadev Online Book and Sky Exchange betting cases has now reached nearly ₹3,800 crore, according to the agency.

The ED has also filed multiple prosecution complaints before the Special PMLA Court in Raipur, which has taken cognisance of the charges in the money laundering case.

Political allegations surface

The developments also triggered political reactions in Chhattisgarh.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel alleged that Vikas Garg was associated with the BJP's Delhi unit and questioned why the Centre had not shut down the Mahadev betting application despite having the authority to do so.

Baghel claimed that individuals linked to the ruling party were allegedly part of the betting syndicate and demanded a wider investigation. He also called for scrutiny of certain former officials, alleging that all individuals connected with the case should be investigated.

The BJP has not issued an immediate response to the allegations.

Meanwhile, the ED has reiterated that its investigation into the Mahadev betting syndicate remains ongoing and that further action will depend on evidence gathered during custodial interrogation and financial analysis.