Coal Levy Probe: Searches at Jewellers, Coal and Sand Traders
A series of simultaneous searches has been carried out in several Chhattisgarh districts as part of an economic offence investigation. The Economic Offence Wing and the Anti-Corruption Bureau began the operation on Friday morning, targeting business premises in Raipur, Rajim, Navapara, Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur.
The businesses under the scanner span the gold, silver and cloth trade, along with coal and sand mining. The development has sparked discussion in local trading circles.
Sources indicate that the action is related to the coal levy scam and linked monetary transactions. Still, the official position on whether every search arises from the same cause or from different case inputs is yet to be spelt out by the investigating agencies.
Jewellery and cloth businesses checked in Rajim-Navapara
In Rajim and Navapara, a joint EOW-ACB team searched establishments associated with businessmen Raja Parakh and Vimal Parakh, who deal in gold, silver and cloth. Investigators are looking into Shanti Vijay and Navkar Jewellers.
The team has been going through shops and related locations since morning, reviewing business papers and records of financial dealings.
The searches are being connected with the investigation into alleged financial transactions tied to the coal levy scam.
Sand mining operator's premises searched in Rajnandgaon
In Rajnandgaon, EOW-ACB officials visited places linked to Vaibhav Golchha, a sand mining operator. Reportedly, about 10 members are carrying out the probe, examining business activity and the relevant documents. An official briefing on the matter is still awaited.
Coal trader's residence-cum-office checked in Bilaspur
A joint investigation team reached the Alka Avenue premises of coal trader Shahbaz Khan in Uslapur, Bilaspur, early in the morning. The team, which included more than half a dozen officers who came from Raipur, entered and began examining documents. The gate was shut during the search.
Locals had no immediate knowledge of the early morning action, and the team remained inside for a considerable period.
Multiple sectors feel the impact
The coordinated operation has placed businesses from different sectors under investigation. Teams at gold, silver, cloth, coal and sand mining premises are reviewing financial transactions and paperwork.
Details of any documents or materials recovered have not been officially disclosed. The full extent of the action and its underlying reasons are expected to become clearer once the agencies release further information.