CBI cracks down on alleged Rs 6 crorefraud in SECL’s Raigarh Mining Project

 

 

In another major development, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a formal case against two key individuals in connection with a major corruption scandal involving South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh. The individuals under investigation include a Senior Surveyor, who previously held the position of Colliery Surveyor at Jampali Open Cast Mine (OCM) in Raigarh, and a partner of a private construction firm. “The CBI swiftly conducted extensive searches at multiple locations, including the residences and offices of the accused in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

 

These searches were aimed at gathering crucial evidence to support the investigation and bring those involved to justice. The allegations revolve around fraudulent activities tied to a lucrative contract awarded by SECL for critical mining operations,” official sources privy to the ongoing investigation and search-ops averred to The Hitavada. According to the sources, as per the complaint lodged with the premier central agency, SECL had issued tender inviting bids for the hiring of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) to carry out Overburden (OB) removal and other related earthwork at Jampali OCM.

 

This contract, valued in crores, was ultimately secured by a joint venture formed by two private construction companies. However, the CBI’s investigation has uncovered that the Senior Surveyor, in alleged collusion with the proprietor of one of the firms—who is now deceased—and a partner in the other company, engaged in the systematic falsification of records. These records pertained to the quantity of overburden removed during the mining operations, a critical metric in determining payments, the sources said, adding further that the falsified data facilitated an undue payment of approximately Rs 6.1 crore to the joint venture, thereby defrauding SECL of substantial funds.