Raipur, Jun 16 (IANS) In a coordinated operation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted simultaneous raids at nine locations across Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, targeting alleged irregularities in the Bharatmala Project compensation scam and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund misappropriation, sources said. The raids, described as "rapid-fire" by sources, are focused on high-value scams involving land compensation under the Bharatmala highway project and the diversion of DMF funds meant for tribal welfare and mining-affected areas. 

The action comes amid growing allegations of large-scale corruption involving officials, contractors, and middlemen. The ED teams specifically targeted premises linked to an accused in Dhamtari district. Sources indicate that the accused is under scrutiny for his alleged role in the Bharatmala compensation irregularities. The agency is probing how inflated or fraudulent land compensation claims were processed, causing significant losses to the exchequer. 

The ED carried out searches in Durg in connection with the DMF scam. The probe revolves around the alleged siphoning and misuse of funds collected under the DMF, which are intended for the development of mining-affected communities. Several locations in Durg are being examined for financial trails and documentary evidence. An ED team has also reached Korba, a major coal-mining hub, as part of the multi-city operation. The presence of the central agency in Korba has triggered speculation about possible links between DMF fund diversion and influential local players in the mineral-rich district. 

The Enforcement Directorate is gathering documents, digital records, and financial transactions related to both scams. Officials believe the two cases may have overlapping networks of beneficiaries. So far, no arrests have been reported, but sources say further action is likely based on the evidence recovered during the day-long searches. This major crackdown has sent ripples across the state’s political and bureaucratic circles. The Bharatmala Project, a flagship national highway development initiative, has been mired in controversies over land acquisition and compensation in several states, while DMF funds have repeatedly come under the scanner for poor utilisation and alleged embezzlement in Chhattisgarh. As the searches continue, authorities are maintaining tight security at all raided premises. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

--IANS