Raipur: Investigation agencies have intensified their action in the high-profile Chhattisgarh coal levy scam. In the latest development, properties worth around ₹4 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi have been attached. The move comes in a case related to alleged disproportionate assets, further deepening the layers of the multi-crore scandal.
During the investigation, officials found that Vishnoi had allegedly acquired multiple immovable properties in the names of his relatives and associated firms. These assets are being linked to suspected illegal income. A total of nine immovable properties, valued at approximately ₹4 crore, have been identified. Following an application before a special court, an order was issued to attach these properties, after which the concerned authorities seized them. With this action, the sale, transfer, or any form of transaction involving these assets has been completely barred.
Earlier Action Already Taken
This is not the first instance of enforcement action against Vishnoi’s assets. Earlier, agencies had provisionally attached five other immovable properties linked to him in connection with the same scam. The repeated actions indicate that investigative agencies are treating the matter with utmost seriousness and are working to uncover the full financial network behind the alleged irregularities.
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Case Linked to ₹540 Crore Alleged Racket
The entire case is linked to a suspected coal levy racket that was active between July 2020 and June 2022. During this period, an illegal levy of ₹25 per tonne of coal transported was allegedly collected. This mechanism reportedly generated a massive network worth around ₹540 crore, involving several influential individuals, businessmen, and intermediaries.
Investigative agencies maintain that this is not a routine corruption case but a systematically organized financial scam. It is alleged that government authority was misused to generate illegal earnings, which were later converted into assets through multiple channels.
Arrest in 2022, Bail Granted by Supreme Court
Sameer Vishnoi was arrested in connection with the case in 2022. After prolonged legal proceedings, he was granted bail by the Supreme Court last year. However, despite his release, investigations continued, and fresh action has now been initiated under the disproportionate assets angle.
Focus Also on Other Accused
The scam is not limited to a single official. Investigations are also underway against several other individuals, including some who previously held influential positions. In September last year, authorities had also taken action against assets linked to another accused, indicating that the scope of the probe is steadily widening.
Next Phase of Investigation Crucial
The case has now reached a critical stage where agencies are not only identifying assets but are also tracing the flow of illicit funds. Digital transactions, shell companies, and benami properties are being closely examined to establish the complete money trail.
Experts believe that more significant revelations may emerge in the coming days. If further assets or new names are identified during the investigation, the scope of enforcement action could expand substantially.
