Raipur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action in the money laundering case linked to the alleged question-paper leak and corruption in recruitment examinations conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC). The agency has arrested Utkarsh Chandrakar, a relative of K.K. Chandravanshi, who served as the personal assistant to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The ED has alleged that Utkarsh used his uncle’s name, position and influence to influence government job aspirants and collect money from them.
According to the ED, the arrest followed searches conducted at multiple locations across Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. The agency is investigating alleged irregularities, question-paper leaks and corruption in CGPSC recruitment processes conducted in 2020 and 2021, along with the alleged laundering of proceeds generated through the illegal activities.
Alleged Use of Uncle’s Position and Influence
According to the ED, Utkarsh Chandrakar allegedly used the name and influence of his maternal uncle, K.K. Chandravanshi, who was serving as the personal assistant to the then Chief Minister. The agency has also alleged that Utkarsh used the name and influence of an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) posted in the office of the then Chief Minister to influence job aspirants.
The agency claims that these references to influential individuals were used to create confidence among candidates and convince them that they could receive an unfair advantage in CGPSC examinations. Money was allegedly collected from aspirants on this assurance.
₹3 Crore Collected for Leaked Question Papers, ED Claims
The ED has alleged that Utkarsh Chandrakar, along with Dr Vikash Chandrakar, collected around ₹3 crore in cash from job aspirants by promising to provide them with the leaked question paper of the CGPSC-2021 examination.
According to the agency, approximately ₹2.80 crore out of the amount collected was handed over to another person identified as Anil Chandrakar.
The ED is now examining the complete financial trail of the money allegedly collected from aspirants. Investigators are trying to determine who received the money and what role different individuals played in the alleged question-paper leak and illegal recruitment process.
Question Papers Allegedly Supplied for Money
Central investigating agencies have alleged that CGPSC examination question papers were illegally provided to relatives of accused persons and selected candidates in exchange for money. The investigation has also pointed to the alleged involvement of private intermediaries in facilitating the process.
According to the agencies, some candidates who allegedly obtained question papers or confidential examination-related information in advance received an unfair advantage during the recruitment process. Some of these candidates were allegedly selected for senior government positions.
Deputy Collector, DSP Posts Under Scrutiny
According to the investigating agencies, the alleged irregularities affected recruitment to important government positions, including posts such as Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The agency is examining which candidates allegedly benefited from the manipulation of the examination process and at what stage irregularities may have occurred in their selection.
The ED is also focusing on the alleged proceeds of crime and how the money was subsequently transferred or used. Investigators are examining whether funds collected through the alleged question-paper leak and recruitment manipulation were routed through other individuals or channels.
Investigation Likely to Expand Further
The arrest of Utkarsh Chandrakar is expected to widen the investigation into the alleged CGPSC recruitment scam. The ED is examining the source of the money collected from aspirants, its distribution and the roles of people allegedly connected with the financial transactions.
The agency is also investigating where the question papers were allegedly leaked, how they reached selected candidates and how much money was paid in return.
The role of candidates who allegedly benefited from the recruitment process, private intermediaries and others connected with the financial trail is also being examined.
The investigation into the CGPSC recruitment case remains ongoing, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as the agency continues to trace the alleged financial network and identify other individuals who may have been involved.
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About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
