The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid on February 29, 2025, targeting alleged land acquisition fraud in the Raipur-Visakhapatnam highway project under the Bharatmala scheme, covering ten properties across Raipur and Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh.
The raids focused on Harmeet Singh Khanuja and other accused, at their residential and office premises, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The probe was initiated based on an FIR registered by ACB EOW Raipur, in which the then SDO (Revenue), Abhanpur, Raipur, Nirbhay Sahu, and other officials were accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
Final Call: FCRF Opens Last Registration Window for GRC and DPO Certifications
Investigation Reveals Preplanned Conspiracy
According to the FIR, the accused, along with certain public servants, allegedly manipulated official land records to obtain illegal compensation. ED’s investigation revealed that the accused premeditatedly divided large plots among family members using backdated entries, inflating compensation amounts.
By splitting the plots into smaller units and altering revenue records, it was shown that the land divisions occurred before the acquisition process, enabling the accused to receive excess compensation under the Bharatmala project. The additional amount was classified as Proceeds of Crime (POC), causing financial loss to the government and unlawful gain to the accused.
Raids and Seizures
During the operation, ED seized ₹40 lakh in cash, digital devices, and various incriminating documents. Investigators also identified individuals and entities in whose names the ill-gotten proceeds were used to acquire movable and immovable assets.
Officials stated that the raids provided critical insights into property-based fraud and the illegal transfer of funds.
Judicial and Administrative Perspective
ED officials noted that the case highlights the seriousness of tampering with land transaction records and compensation disbursal systems in government projects. Regular audits, verifications, and transaction monitoring are essential to prevent misuse of public funds.
The investigation also demonstrates that collusion and record manipulation during land acquisition not only result in illegal gains but also undermine project credibility and public trust.
Social and Professional Lessons
Experts say such cases underline the need for online record-keeping, digital audits, and periodic verification to safeguard government funds and curb corruption. The ED’s action sends a clear message that scrutiny and seizure of assets derived from crime remain a top priority, and monitoring of digital and banking transactions is critical.
The ED added that the investigation is ongoing, and appropriate legal action will be taken against the accused.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
