Press Release
3/02/2025
Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Raipur Zonal Office has provisionally attached over 100
movable and immovable properties, including bank balances, vehicles, cash, jewelry and land,
cumulatively valued at Rs. 49.73 Crore on 30/01/2025 under the provisions of Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These assets belong to Suryakant Tiwari and others involved in a
case related to an illegal coal levy scam.
ED investigation revealed that a group of private individuals, in collusion with senior state
politicians and bureaucrats, engaged in extortion from coal transporters. They charged Rs. 25 per tonne
of coal transported between July 2020 and June 2022. During this period, the total Proceeds of Crime
(POC) amounted to Rs. 540 Crore (approx.), which was extorted from coal transporters in Chhattisgarh.
The illegal funds were used to bribe government officials and politicians, with part of the POC also
spent on elections. The remaining funds were utilized for the acquisition of various movable and
immovable properties. It is worth mentioning that numerous movable and immovable properties worth
approx. Rs. 55.37 Crore have been attached by ED, belonging to Smt. Ranu Sahu, IAS, Sameer
Bishnoi, IAS, Smt. Saumya Chaurasia, the then OSD to the then Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Jai
Prakash Maurya, IAS, and Ram Gopal Agrawal, Ram Pratap Singh, Vinod Tiwari, Chandra Dev
Prasad Rai, Devendra Singh Yadav, all politically exposed persons.
As part of the ongoing investigation, ED has arrested 11 individuals and filed three Prosecution
Complaints against 26 accused persons before the Special Court (PMLA), which has taken cognizance
of the complaints filed. Further, properties worth Rs. 270 Crore belonging to the accused individuals
have already been attached till date.
Further investigation is under progress.
Brief
"On 03/02/2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued an update regarding ED, Raipur has provisionally attached over 100 movable and immovable properties, including bank balances, vehicles, cash, jewelry and land cumulatively valued at Rs. 49.73 Crore on 30/01/2025 under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 belonging to Suryakant Tiwari and others in the case related to an illegal coal levy scam. The attached assets are a part of total proceeds of crime (POC) worth Rs. 540 Crore extorted from coal transporters in Chhattisgarh between July 2020 and June 2022."
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Purpose
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Raipur Zonal Office, has provisionally attached over 100 movable and immovable properties worth Rs. 49.73 Crore on January 30, 2025, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into a coal levy scam involving senior state politicians and bureaucrats. The ED’s move aims to freeze and confiscate assets allegedly linked to money laundering activities.
Effects on Industry
The provisional attachment of properties worth Rs. 49.73 Crore by the ED may have significant implications for various industries, including real estate, finance, and coal transportation. Companies involved in these sectors might face difficulties accessing frozen assets or conducting business with individuals associated with the alleged scam. Moreover, this development could also impact the broader economy, particularly in Chhattisgarh, where the coal levy scam is believed to have taken place.
Relevant Stakeholders
The ED’s actions directly affect individuals and entities involved in the coal levy scam, including Suryakant Tiwari and others implicated in the case. Politically exposed persons (PEPs) like IAS officers Sameer Bishnoi, Saumya Chaurasia, Jai Prakash Maurya, Ram Gopal Agrawal, and Ram Pratap Singh are also being investigated. Additionally, businesses and consumers may be indirectly impacted by the ED’s actions, which could lead to a shift in market dynamics or changes in business practices.
Next Steps
As part of the ongoing investigation, the ED will continue to probe into assets linked to the accused individuals and entities. Further arrests and property attachments are expected. The Special Court (PMLA) has taken cognizance of Prosecution Complaints filed against 26 accused persons. Businesses and consumers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor developments in this case.
Any Other Relevant Information
The ED’s actions demonstrate its commitment to combating money laundering and other financial crimes. This investigation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government and private sector dealings, particularly when it comes to large-scale economic activities like coal transportation and taxation. The total proceeds of crime (POC) estimated at Rs. 540 Crore underscores the severity of the alleged scam and its potential impact on the economy and society.
