Raipur, Chhattisgarh: In a significant anti-corruption action, the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) / Economic Offence Wing (EOW) has apprehended Nirbhay Kumar Sahu, a suspended revenue department official, for his alleged role in a multi-crore compensation scam linked to the Bharatmala road project.
The scam involved fraudulent land acquisition practices, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 32 crore to the state exchequer. Sahu, who served as Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) in Abhanpur, allegedly falsified official documents to subdivide land parcels associated with the Raipur-Visakhapatnam and Durg Bypass road projects, enabling unjustified compensation payments far exceeding legitimate amounts.
Further irregularities included presenting previously acquired land for the Nayakbandha Reservoir as newly acquired under the Bharatmala initiative, leading to double payments.
Sahu’s bail plea was earlier rejected by the Supreme Court, and the ACB/EOW has already filed a charge sheet naming multiple individuals, including other public servants, connected to the fraudulent activities.
Authorities continue to investigate additional accomplices and trace the flow of misappropriated funds.
