In connection with the CGPSC recruitment examination scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids across Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, and Rajnandgaon. Operations are currently underway at the Raipur residence of former Exam Controller Aarti Vasnik. Meanwhile, an investigation has been ongoing since 6:00 AM at the Bhilai Sector-10 residence of retired IAS officer J.K. Dhruv.
It is pertinent to note that J.K. Dhruv is an accused in the CGPSC recruitment scam and is currently lodged in jail. These operations are also being viewed in light of his alleged connections to the ‘Bharatmala Scam’ case, although official confirmation regarding this is still awaited.
Additionally, an investigation is being conducted at the Talpuri, Bhilai residence of Amrit Khalkho, the former Secretary to the Governor. It is worth mentioning that his daughter, Neha, and son, Nikhil, were selected for the post of Deputy Collector, securing the 13th and 17th ranks, respectively.
In Rajnandgaon, a raid was also conducted at the residence of the then Deputy Exam Controller, Lalit Ganvir. Ganvir is already incarcerated in connection with this case. A team comprising approximately eight ED officials has arrived at the location, and documents found inside the house are currently being scrutinized.
**Understanding the CGPSC Scam**
This case pertains to recruitment processes conducted between the years 2020 and 2022. It is alleged that, by bypassing the principles of transparency in the Commission’s examinations and interviews, candidates belonging to families with political and administrative influence were selected for high-ranking positions.
During this period, qualified candidates were sidelined to facilitate the appointment of close associates to posts such as Deputy Collector, DSP, and other gazetted positions. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the State Government handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). During its raids, the investigative agency has recovered numerous documents and incriminating evidence.
**Taman Singh Allegedly Benefited Relatives and Close Associates**
The CBI has submitted that large-scale irregularities were committed during the State Service Examinations conducted between 2020 and 2022. It is alleged that the then-Chairman, Taman Singh Sonwani, misused his official position to extend undue benefits to his relatives and close associates.
The investigation revealed that a sum of ₹45 lakh was disbursed from a private company to an NGO under the CSR fund—an NGO of which Sonwani’s wife served as the Chairperson. In exchange for this, question papers were leaked.
