The Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has launched major raids across 14 locations in four districts, intensifying its probe into the alleged misuse of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds meant for mining-affected communities. The coordinated action, spanning Raipur, Durg, Korba, and Dantewada, marks one of the state’s biggest anti-corruption drives in recent months.
Funds for Mining-Affected People Diverted
The DMF, created to channel mining royalties into welfare and infrastructure for communities affected by mining operations, has allegedly been turned into a corruption hotspot. Investigators suspect that officials, contractors, and middlemen siphoned off crores by manipulating tenders, inflating bills, and showing fake project completions. Early evidence points to large-scale financial irregularities and misuse of funds meant for schools, hospitals, and roads in mining zones.
Digital Evidence Seized, Top Officials Under Scanner
During the raids, sleuths reportedly seized digital records, financial documents, and property details linked to multiple firms and government officials. Sources said the investigation is focusing on how DMF funds were funneled through ghost contractors and front companies. Several senior officers and engineers have already been questioned, and more arrests are expected soon.
Pattern of Corruption and Broader Impact
This is not the first DMF-related scandal to hit Chhattisgarh. Earlier cases have already exposed how welfare funds were diverted to fake projects and personal accounts. The latest raids highlight systemic corruption within the administration and renewed calls for stricter auditing and transparency in fund allocation.
The EOW’s aggressive action reflects growing public outrage over the misuse of money meant for mining-affected families — a betrayal of trust that could reshape the political and administrative landscape in Chhattisgarh.
