Raipur. A major development has emerged in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in land acquisition compensation under the Bharatmala highway project, with authorities arresting a man accused of fraudulently obtaining crores of rupees through manipulated compensation claims. Investigators estimate the proceeds of crime in the case at approximately ₹9.27 crore.
According to the investigation, the accused, a resident of the Abhanpur area in Raipur district, was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Following his arrest, he was produced before a special court, which granted investigators custody for further questioning.
Land Fragmentation and Inflated Claims
The case is linked to land acquisition carried out for the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor being developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Investigators allege that the accused, in collusion with family members and other associates, acquired land located within the notified highway alignment and subsequently divided it into multiple parcels measuring less than 500 square metres each.
Authorities claim that this fragmentation enabled the beneficiaries to secure significantly higher compensation than what would otherwise have been payable under standard land acquisition norms. The alleged manipulation is now at the centre of a broader financial crime investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused and his family received compensation of approximately ₹9.83 crore through the disputed claims, whereas the legitimate compensation amount was estimated at only about ₹56.76 lakh. Investigators maintain that the difference between these figures constitutes the proceeds of crime, estimated at nearly ₹9.27 crore.
Layering of Funds and Financial Laundering
The investigation has also focused extensively on the movement and utilization of the alleged illicit funds. According to officials, the money was not retained in its original form but was allegedly layered through a series of financial transactions. Investigators claim that portions of the funds were invested in shares, mutual funds and other financial instruments in an effort to disguise the source of the money and integrate it into the formal financial system.
The money laundering probe was initiated following the registration of a case concerning alleged corruption and economic offences linked to compensation disbursements under the highway project. Early findings reportedly pointed to large-scale irregularities and possible collusion in the compensation process, prompting a deeper examination of financial records and asset holdings.
Crackdown, Seizures, and Broader Scrutiny
As part of the investigation, search operations were conducted in late April across multiple locations in Raipur, Abhanpur and Dhamtari districts. During these searches, authorities reportedly seized documents, digital devices and other materials believed to be relevant to the case. Investigators are currently analysing the seized evidence to establish the full scope of the alleged fraud and trace the movement of funds.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that the probe is no longer limited to a single individual. Authorities are examining the roles of other beneficiaries, intermediaries and individuals who may have facilitated the transactions. Financial records, banking documents and investment portfolios are being scrutinized to determine how the alleged proceeds were distributed and whether additional parties benefited from the scheme.
Experts note that land acquisition and compensation disbursement in large infrastructure projects are highly sensitive processes involving substantial public funds. Any manipulation in compensation calculations can result in significant financial losses and undermine the integrity of public development initiatives.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify all individuals connected to the alleged conspiracy and determine the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds. Further disclosures are expected as investigators continue examining financial trails, property records and transaction networks linked to the case.
