Archive · 2 Sep 2026
ED widens Chhattisgarh probes with two arrests and searches
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating alleged cheating and bribery in government recruitment and mineral-fund cases in Chhattisgarh.
It arrested Utkarsh Chandrakar and Satpal Singh Chhabra.
A court allowed investigators to keep them in custody until September 5.
Officials allege that money was taken from people seeking government jobs.
They also searched seven places for documents and other evidence.
Some searches involved people who previously worked with former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
The investigation is connected to alleged question-paper leaks and manipulated selections in state examinations.
Former officials have also received bail in a related case.
The courts have not yet decided whether the allegations are true.
The Enforcement Directorate arrested Utkarsh Chandrakar and Satpal Singh Chhabra in alleged CGPSC recruitment and DMF cases.
A special court in Raipur sent both accused to ED custody until September 5.
Investigators allege Chhabra received about ₹30 crore and Chandrakar received ₹3.11 crore from candidates.
ED teams searched seven locations, including premises linked to former aides of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been finally adjudicated by the courts.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate arrested Utkarsh Chandrakar and Satpal Singh Chhabra; other people linked to the CGPSC and DMF inquiries were also searched or questioned.
- What
- The ED widened investigations into alleged CGPSC recruitment irregularities, question-paper leaks, and District Mineral Foundation money laundering.
- When
- The arrests and searches occurred after the July 25 arrest of former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani; the two accused were remanded until September 5.
- Where
- Seven locations across Chhattisgarh were searched, including premises in Bhilai, Dhamtari, Balrampur and Raipur.
- Why
- Investigators say they found fresh evidence of alleged bribes, recruitment manipulation and financial transactions connected with the cases.
- Arrested
- Utkarsh Chandrakar and Satpal Singh Chhabra
- Court custody
- Both were sent to ED custody until September 5
- Searches
- Seven locations across Chhattisgarh
- Alleged DMF commission
- About ₹30 crore allegedly received by Satpal Singh Chhabra
- Alleged CGPSC payments
- ₹3.11 crore allegedly received by Utkarsh Chandrakar from candidates
- Related examination
- The 2021 CGPSC examination was held for 171 posts
- Investigation status
- The allegations remain under investigation and have not been finally adjudicated