Millions diverted under the guise of government land claims; joint CBI–ACB probe unravels layers of alleged collusion.
Korba – A Rs 3.44 crore compensation scam in Korba district has raised serious questions over the role of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Revenue Department officials. Following preliminary investigations, the authorities have filed an FIR against Khushal Jaiswal, Rajesh Jaiswal, and several SECL officials. Investigators indicate that the scam could be larger than currently estimated, with more names expected to surface as the probe progresses.
CBI team conducts on-ground inspections in villages
Recently, a special CBI team visited villages including Malgaon and Ralia to verify documents, conduct on-site inspections, and interview beneficiaries. Sources reveal multiple discrepancies in compensation records, suggesting deliberate irregularities in the disbursement process.
Officials suspect that the financial manipulation was orchestrated through a structured network, wherein government land was represented as privately owned property, enabling unlawful claims. The collusion of select SECL and revenue officials allegedly facilitated the diversion of significant sums.
‘Fictitious ownership’ of government houses, crores disbursed
A preliminary audit conducted by ACB and CBI indicates that Khushal Jaiswal presented government-owned houses as personal property, receiving over Rs 1.60 crore in compensation. In several instances, the ownership of the land was found to be questionable.
Further, in villages like Malgaon and Amgaon, houses built on government or third-party land were claimed under the names of family members or close associates on seven separate occasions. These claims cumulatively accounted for more than Rs 1.83 crore in compensation.
Investigators also found cases where the same structure was recorded under multiple individuals’ names, inflating the total compensation amount substantially.
Questions raised on SECL and Revenue Department officials’ roles
The FIR names officials who were part of committees responsible for:
- Determining eligible property owners
- Evaluating compensation-worthy structures
- Verifying the validity of claims
Investigators emphasize that such large-scale documentation fraud would not have been possible without collusion from officials. Several valuation reports were inconsistent, while some inspection records were entirely absent.
Based on preliminary complaints, the total fraud could exceed Rs 9 crore, with Rs 3.44 crore currently verified as irregular.
Probe may expand arrests and FIRs
CBI and ACB have analyzed multiple files, bank transactions, building records, and land ownership documents to establish documentary and digital evidence for the FIR. According to sources:
- Several private individuals assisted in preparing false claims
- Officials approved the documents, expediting unlawful payments
- Compensation valuations were artificially inflated
- Overlapping structures were identified in several claims
The probe now includes property purchase histories, construction photographs, land registry records, circle rate valuations, and compensation approval orders. Authorities indicate that more SECL officials and local intermediaries may soon be named in FIRs.
Local administration on alert, files under re-evaluation
The district administration has directed SECL to re-examine all suspicious files and initiated rigorous cross-verification of claims with unclear ownership or structural status. Officials stated:
“Where payments were irregular, recovery of funds and action against responsible officials will be ensured.”
Conclusion
This case extends beyond a mere compensation scam, highlighting systemic failures and institutional collusion. The joint CBI–ACB investigation is ongoing, and early indicators suggest that the scale of the scam is considerably larger than initial estimates. Further revelations and potential prosecutions are expected in the coming weeks.
