The Enforcement Directorate has expanded its investigation into alleged irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission by conducting searches at seven locations across the state. Premises linked to K K Chandrakar, personal assistant to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, were among those searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency has not publicly disclosed the results of the searches or specified what records were examined. The operation forms part of a wider financial investigation, while no wrongdoing has been alleged against Bhupesh Baghel based on the information currently available.
ED Raids in Chhattisgarh PSC Probe, Ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel’s PA Among Those Searched
The Enforcement Directorate has raided premises in Chhattisgarh in connection with a case of alleged irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, including premises linked to the personal assistant of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday stepped up the Chhattisgarh PSC probe with searches at several locations across the state under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The action is related to alleged irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), officials said.
The officials said seven locations were searched in connection with the ongoing money laundering investigation. Teams of the Enforcement Directorate conducted the searches at various premises associated with persons under the scanner of the agency.
Among the premises searched was that of K K Chandrakar, personal assistant to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Officials confirmed the premises of Chandrakar were part of the latest operation of the agency.
The Enforcement Directorate has not made public the specific results of the searches. Authorities also did not immediately provide details on the documents, electronic records or other materials that may have been reviewed during the raids.
Enforcement Directorate Expands Chhattisgarh PSC Investigation
The probe pertains to the alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC). The commission conducts the recruitment examinations and selects the candidates for various posts in the state government.
The money laundering case has been registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, officials said. The law enables the Enforcement Directorate to probe financial transactions concerning alleged proceeds of crime originating from scheduled offenses.
The latest searches show the agency is widening its probe into the alleged CGPSC irregularities. Investigators, however, have not disclosed details of the alleged violations or the period of time being investigated.
The information disclosed so far does not accuse any wrongdoing against former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The searches were part of the wider probe into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment, the officials said.
The Enforcement Directorate and representatives of those searched did not make public detailed statements on the outcome of the operation by Tuesday morning. As the investigation continues, further official communication is expected.
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Political and Administrative Focus on Alleged Recruitment Irregularities
The case has sparked interest because of its link with the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, a major state recruitment body. Allegations involving recruitment bodies often attract scrutiny due to their potential impact on public trust and administrative transparency.
Observers note that investigations involving recruitment processes can have wider implications for governance, accountability, and confidence among candidates seeking public sector employment. Any findings of investigative agencies could have an impact on future administrative reforms.
There have been no conclusions announced, and officials say the searches are part of an ongoing inquiry. The findings of the raids are examined in accordance with the established legal procedures before any further action is taken.
The Enforcement Directorate is expected to share more details on the nature of the evidence being probed and the next steps in the investigation, Sprouts News understands. The agency is likely to continue its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
All eyes will be on whether the Enforcement Directorate reveals more information on the supposed Chhattisgarh PSC irregularities and any subsequent legal or administrative developments as the investigation is ongoing.
