In a significant development, the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) has lodged an FIR against former IAS officers Anil Tuteja, Alok Shukla, and ex-Advocate General Satish Chandra Verma in connection with the notorious Food and Civil Supplies Corporation (FCSC) scam. This action follows fresh evidence, notably WhatsApp exchanges, which have brought to light alleged misuse of authority by the accused, leading to widespread malfeasance within the public distribution system. The FCSC scam, dating back to 2015, has been a major point of controversy, with substantial corruption allegations involving senior officials. Under the former Congress Government, these officials were accused of exploiting their official capacities to manipulate procurement and distribution of food supplies across Chhattisgarh, amassing illicit gains in the process. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had previously scrutinised the case, bringing to light financial discrepancies and corruption in food grain procurement and distribution. SEOIACB’s FIR reveals that the accused allegedly secured anticipatory bail from the High Court in 2019-20 through fraudulent means.

 

Newly surfaced WhatsApp messages reportedly detail discussions among the accused on influencing judicial procedures and securing immunity from prosecution. The SEOIACB considers this evidence pivotal, reinforcing allegations that high-ranking officials colluded to obstruct justice. The FIR charges the trio under multiple provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, including Sections 7, 7A, 8, and 13(2), in addition to Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 120B, 166A, 182, 193, 195A, and 211, covering conspiracy, misuse of power, and document fabrication. The agency underscored that these accusations are backed by extensive digital trails, indicating a carefully orchestrated scheme to evade accountability. “With the probe intensifying, all eyes are on SEOIACB’s next moves, particularly as it seeks to dismantle corruption networks entrenched in state machinery. The recent charges reaffirm SEOIACB’s commitment to unearthing corruption at the highest levels, signifying a renewed endeavour to uphold accountability in public service,” stated investigators privy to the case.