ED Arrests Ex-Chhattisgarh CMO OSD Chetan Borghariya In Money Laundering Case

Chetan Borghariya, former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister's Office, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 11 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The arrest is related to alleged money laundering linked to irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) State Service Examinations of 2020 and 2021.

The ED probe stems from an FIR registered by the Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB), Raipur, concerning large-scale corruption in the examinations. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later took over the predicate offence investigation, registering an FIR against then CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani and others.

According to ED findings, Utkarsh Chandrakar, Anil Chandrakar, and Vikash Chandrakar allegedly collected illegal gratification exceeding Rs 3 crore from candidates of the 2021 examination. They assured provision of question papers in advance and selection by leveraging purported access and influence in the then Chief Minister’s Office. Borghariya’s name and official position as OSD were allegedly invoked in these assurances.

Investigation revealed that leaked question papers were distributed to certain candidates. Prior to the Preliminary Examination, candidates gathered at Siddhi Vinayak Marriage Palace in Raipur, where the papers were handed over. They were later accommodated at Barnawapara Sanctuary Resort, where coaching based on leaked Mains papers was allegedly provided.

Financial probes uncovered cash deposits totalling Rs 66.64 lakh through 170 transactions in Borghariya’s bank account during the relevant period, along with multiple transactions between him and Utkarsh Chandrakar. The ED had searched Borghariya’s premises on September 1, seizing digital devices including mobile phones. Forensic analysis of these devices revealed communications with Utkarsh Chandrakar regarding financial transactions and demands for repayment.

Further trails pointed to transactions involving M/s Figurecave E-Com (OPC) Private Limited, suspected of being used for layering and movement of funds. Borghariya has been sent to ED custody.

The arrest of Chetan Borghariya is a significant development in the investigation into the CGPSC exam irregularities. The ED's probe has uncovered a complex web of corruption and money laundering, involving high-ranking officials and businessmen.

The CGPSC exam irregularities have been a major controversy in Chhattisgarh, with allegations of large-scale corruption and manipulation. The ED's investigation has shed light on the extent of the corruption and the involvement of high-ranking officials.

The arrest of Borghariya is likely to have significant implications for the Chhattisgarh government and the CGPSC. The ED's probe is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming days.

In conclusion, the arrest of Chetan Borghariya is a major development in the investigation into the CGPSC exam irregularities. The ED's probe has uncovered a complex web of corruption and money laundering, involving high-ranking officials and businessmen. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government recruitment processes.