ED raids Chhattisgarh locations in Bharatmala land compensation probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh as part of its money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in land acquisition compensation for a key road project under the Centre’s Bharatmala Pariyojana, official sources said.

At least nine premises in Raipur and Mahasamund districts were searched in connection with the acquisition of land for the Raipur–Visakhapatnam economic corridor . The action covered premises linked to private individuals, including Harmit Singh Khanuja and his alleged associates, certain government officials and landowners, sources said.

The probe centres on allegations that compensation for acquired land was artificially inflated through manipulation of land records and valuation processes. Investigators suspect collusion between landowners, middlemen and revenue officials, leading to excess payouts that were allegedly diverted and laundered, prompting the ED’s involvement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2017, is the government’s flagship highway development programme aimed at building and upgrading about 26,000 km of economic corridors, feeder routes, border and coastal roads, and greenfield expressways to improve freight movement and reduce logistics costs. While the road construction itself is not under question, the alleged scam relates to the implementation of land acquisition at the local level.

Those under scrutiny have largely denied any wrongdoing, claiming compensation was paid strictly as per prescribed norms and that land valuation was carried out by competent authorities. Some have said they are cooperating fully with investigators and termed the searches routine verification. Political reactions have been divided, with opposition leaders alleging misuse of central agencies, while ruling party leaders have maintained that the probe is evidence-driven.

Among local landowners, the ED action has triggered concern and anxiety, with some fearing prolonged legal proceedings despite having received compensation through official channels. Government officials linked to the process have largely refrained from public comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Officials said the searches are aimed at tracing proceeds of crime, including bank records, property documents and digital evidence. The investigation is continuing, and no arrests have been reported so far.