Indian agency seizes Rs 2.66 crore in Chhattisgarh linked to Rs 540 crore coal scam.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached eight properties worth Rs 2.66 crore in Chhattisgarh linked to Saumya Chaurasia, a former deputy secretary to the ex-Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, and her aide Nikhil Chandrakar, alleging they were bought with funds from a Rs 540 crore illegal coal levy scam. The ED says private individuals and officials extorted Rs 25 per tonne from coal transporters between July 2020 and June 2022, using the proceeds for bribes, election expenses, and asset acquisition. The assets were purchased in relatives’ names to conceal ownership. So far, assets worth Rs 273 crore have been seized, 11 people arrested, and five prosecution complaints filed against 35 accused under the PMLA.