The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the alleged recruitment scam linked to the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), conducting searches at five locations across the state.
The raids, carried out on Thursday, targeted three premises in Raipur and two in Mahasamund districts, belonging to five individuals suspected of involvement in the irregularities.
According to an official statement released on Friday, the CBI seized incriminating documents during the searches, which are connected to alleged malpractices in the recruitment process for high-ranking government posts during the previous Congress administration in Chhattisgarh.
The central agency had taken over the investigation in July 2024, following allegations of widespread irregularities in the recruitment of Deputy Collectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, and other senior administrative positions between 2020 and 2022.
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So far, the CBI has arrested seven individuals, including former CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani, his nephews Nitesh Sonwani and Sahil Sonwani, and then Deputy Controller of Examinations Lalit Ganvir.
Also arrested are Shravan Kumar Goyal, Director of Shri Bajrang Power and Ispat Ltd, along with his son Shashank Goyal and daughter-in-law Bhumika Katiyar.
According to the CBI’s charge sheet filed on January 16 before a special court in Raipur, Shashank Goyal, Bhumika Katiyar, and Nitesh Sonwani were illegally selected for the post of Deputy Collector, while Sahil Sonwani secured the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The investigation revealed that former Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani had allegedly leaked examination papers to his nephews. Further, a conspiracy was uncovered involving Sonwani and Lalit Ganvir, who allegedly provided confidential examination materials to Shravan Kumar Goyal.
Goyal is accused of passing the leaked papers to his son and daughter-in-law, both of whom subsequently secured top positions in the civil services.
The CBI confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with scrutiny continuing into the roles of other candidates, CGPSC officials, and individuals possibly linked to the scandal.