DMF Scam, Mahadev Betting Case, CGMSC, Tendu Leaf Irregularities Among Key Cases Being Probed
RAIPUR (India CSR): In a major escalation of its war against corruption, the Chhattisgarh Government’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have taken action against more than 200 corrupt officials in just the last two years, reflecting the administration’s uncompromising stand on clean governance, the Govt said.
Among the most prominent cases currently under the scanner are the Rs. 3,200 Crore Liquor Scam, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scam, the Mahadev Online Betting App case, widespread irregularities in tendu leaf distribution, anomalies in the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC), and several others involving public welfare and state revenue.
In this direction, the state government has taken its biggest action yet by suspending 22 officials in connection with a high-profile case in the Excise Department. This action is based on the investigation into the infamous Rs. 3,200 crore liquor scam that took place during the previous government’s tenure. Between 2019 and 2023, several excise officials were found to have been involved in the scam and had acquired assets through illicit earnings.
DMF Scam
The DMF scam involves alleged misuse and misappropriation of crores of rupees meant for tribal welfare and development in mining-affected areas. Investigations have revealed financial irregularities, inflated tenders, and fund diversion—leading to compromised health, education, and livelihood projects meant for marginalized communities. Officials linked to the previous government are under scrutiny, and recovery proceedings are underway.
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Mahadev Online Betting Scam
Another case drawing nationwide attention is the Mahadev Online Betting App scam, which unearthed a massive illegal betting network with links to Chhattisgarh. Investigators have traced a money laundering trail involving hundreds of crores of rupees, shell companies, and political patronage. The ACB and cybercrime cell are coordinating with national agencies to ensure full accountability.
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CGMSC Irregularities
The Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC), which is responsible for the procurement of medicines and medical equipment for government hospitals, has also come under fire. Investigations indicate procurement at inflated prices, poor-quality supplies, and collusion between officials and private vendors—jeopardizing public health and patient care.
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Tendu Leaf Distribution Scam
The tendu leaf distribution scam is another alarming case, where forest dwellers and tribal collectors were allegedly defrauded through manipulation of payments, faulty weighing, and delayed disbursals. The state forest department, in coordination with vigilance units, is now auditing the entire process and ensuring direct benefit transfers (DBT) to the rightful beneficiaries.
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Wider Clean-Up Drive
Speaking on the broader anti-corruption campaign, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated, “Our goal is not just to expose past scams, but to build a system that is transparent, honest, and trustworthy. Those who looted public money will be brought to justice.”
The government is systematically reviewing projects such as Bharatmala, PSC 2021 examinations, and other public procurement schemes to weed out fraud. Strict disciplinary and legal actions are being taken in phases. The recent suspension of 22 excise department officials over the ₹3,200 crore liquor scam is just one step in a broader clean-up operation.
To institutionalize transparency, the state has also:
- Made GeM procurement mandatory
- Abolished the FL-10 excise policy
- Introduced security holograms on liquor bottles
- Shifted timber auctions and mineral transit passes online
- Launched the Single Window 2.0 system for simplified investment approvals
A New Era of Governance
This aggressive approach marks a clear departure from past leniency. The message from CM Sai’s administration is loud and clear: corruption will neither be tolerated nor forgiven, regardless of the position or influence of the individuals involved.
“This is not just administrative action. This is a commitment to the people of Chhattisgarh. We are setting new standards of governance where honesty is not an option—it is the foundation,” the Chief Minister said.
As investigations continue and more layers of corruption are peeled away, citizens are closely watching what many are calling a landmark era of governance reforms in the state.
(India CSR)
