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.

In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the national capital, a Delhi court on Friday acquitted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia in the high-profile corruption case linked to the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. The Rouse Avenue Court discharged all 23 accused in the case, handing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a massive legal and political victory while triggering an immediate promise of appeal from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

As the verdict was pronounced, the courtroom atmosphere shifted from tense anticipation to jubilation for AAP supporters. But it was the sight of a visibly emotional Arvind Kejriwal outside the courtroom that became the defining image of the day.

'I am Kattar Imaandar': Kejriwal Breaks Down

Fighting back tears while addressing the media huddle outside the court, a choked-up Arvind Kejriwal struggled to maintain his composure as he hit out at the central government. "For the past few years, the BJP has been levelling accusations against us. Today, the court dismissed all charges. I am deeply grateful to the judge who gave us justice. Truth has prevailed," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

In a moment that resonated with party workers, Kejriwal declared his integrity in no uncertain terms. "I am kattar imaandar (extremely honest). Modi and Amit Shah together hatched the biggest political conspiracy in independent India. Five of AAP's most prominent leaders were jailed to destroy the party. A sitting Chief Minister was dragged from his home and imprisoned for six months," he added as tears streamed down his face.

Manish Sisodia, who spent nearly two years in judicial custody, echoed the sentiment. "The country has seen how central agencies were misused. We knocked on the doors of the court, and the court has protected us," Sisodia said after the verdict.

 'No Overarching Conspiracy': What the Court Said

Special Judge Jitendra Singh, while passing the order closing the case initiated by the CBI, made observations that pulled up the investigating agency. The court ruled that there was "no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy."

In a sharp rebuke to the probe agency, the court directed a departmental inquiry against specific CBI officials. The judge criticized the agency for building its case primarily through approver statements, calling the practice a "grave violation of Constitutional principles."

"The conduct where an accused is granted pardon and then made an approver, his statements used to fill the gaps in the investigation and make additional people accused, is wrong," the court observed, effectively dismantling the core of the prosecution's case.

The Political Fallout: Celebrations and Challenges

As news of the acquittal spread, celebrations erupted outside Kejriwal's residence and at AAP offices across the country. Party workers burst crackers, distributed sweets, and chanted slogans hailing the "victory of truth."

Sunita Kejriwal, the former CM's wife, posted on X: "In this world, no matter how powerful one becomes, one cannot rise above Shiva Shakti. Truth always prevails." Former Delhi CM Atishi added, "No matter how many false accusations are made, no matter how much oppression is carried out, in the end, truth prevails."

However, the legal battle is far from over. CBI sources confirmed that the agency will immediately move the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court's order. A CBI spokesperson stated that key aspects of the investigation were not adequately considered and that the evidence collected during the probe had established key elements of the alleged irregularities.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya was quick to point out that the verdict came from a lower court on technical grounds. "The legal process is not over yet. If Kejriwal was honest, why was the policy withdrawn after signs of irregularities?" he questioned.

What Was the Liquor Policy Case?

The case dates back to 2022 when the CBI filed an FIR based on a complaint by then Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The probe alleged that the 2021-22 Excise Policy was manipulated to enable liquor trade monopolization and cartelization, with AAP leaders allegedly receiving kickbacks.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, 2024, and later by the CBI on June 26. The Supreme Court granted him bail in July 2024 after he spent five months in jail. Friday's verdict now acquits him and 22 others of all charges in the CBI case, though the agency's impending appeal in the High Court means the legal saga continues.

For now, AAP is savoring what it calls a "historic victory," with party MP Sanjay Singh demanding an apology from Prime Minister Modi. As the dust settles on one of the most politically charged cases in recent history, the verdict has reignited debates on the misuse of investigative agencies—a conversation that is far from over.