Chhattisgarh Compensation Scam: Revenue Official Arrested

In a major development, the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing has apprehended a suspended revenue department official allegedly involved in a multi-crore compensation scam. The case pertains to the Bharatmala road project, where fraudulent land acquisition processes led to an estimated loss of Rs 32 crore to the state exchequer.

Nirbhay Kumar Sahu, a key figure in the scam, held the position of Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) in Abhanpur. He and other accused reportedly falsified official documents to subdivide land parcels associated with the Raipur-Visakhapatnam and Durg Bypass road projects. Such illegal modifications led to unjustified compensation disbursements that exceeded rightful amounts by several times.

Additional irregularities included presenting previously acquired land for the Nayakbandha Reservoir as newly acquired under the Bharatmala initiative, facilitating double payments. Sahu's bail plea was earlier rejected by the Supreme Court, and the ACB/EOW has already filed a charge sheet naming multiple individuals, including public servants, connected to the fraudulent activities.