Bharatmala Land Compensation Scam: Former Sub-Divisional Officer Arrested
The Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB/EOW) has made a significant breakthrough in the Bharatmala land compensation scam. Nirbhay Kumar Sahu, the former sub-divisional officer and competent authority for land acquisition in Abhanpur, Raipur district, has been arrested in connection with the scam.
- Nirbhay Kumar Sahu was arrested by the ACB/EOW in connection with the Bharatmala land compensation scam.
- The accused was the competent authority for land acquisition at Abhanpur and allegedly misused his official position.
- Sahu is accused of entering into a criminal conspiracy with subordinate revenue staff, land dealers, and others.
Allegations Against Nirbhay Kumar Sahu
The ACB/EOW chief, Amresh Mishra, stated that Sahu was an accused in a crime registered under IPC sections 409, 467, 468, 471, 420 and 120B, along with Sections 7(c) and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- IPC sections 409, 467, 468, 471, 420, and 120B.
- Sections 7(c) and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Irregularities in Compensation Disbursal
According to the probe, land parcels affected by the project in villages Nayakbandha, Ugetra, Urla, Bhelwadih, and Tokaro under Abhanpur tehsil were allegedly split into multiple sub-plots using backdated entries.
- Land parcels in villages Nayakbandha, Ugetra, Urla, Bhelwadih, and Tokaro.
- Backdated entries to split land parcels into multiple sub-plots.
Economic Loss to the State Exchequer
The agency alleged that land earlier acquired for the Nayakbandha reservoir was shown as acquired again for the Bharatmala project and compensation was paid afresh, causing a loss of crores of rupees to the state exchequer.
Arrest and Police Remand
Nirbhay Kumar Sahu had been on the run for a long time, but his bail plea was rejected by the Supreme Court. Permanent arrest warrants and proclamation orders were issued against him and other absconding public servants by the special court.
- Bail plea rejected by the Supreme Court.
- Permanent arrest warrants and proclamation orders issued by the special court.
The ACB/EOW produced Sahu before the special court in Raipur and secured police remand from March 17 to March 30 for further questioning.
- Police remand from March 17 to March 30.