SC Grants Interim Bail To IAS Officers In Chhattisgarh Coal Scam Case

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to IAS officers jailed in the Chhattisgarh coal scam. A bench led by Justice Suryakant stated that the investigation would take considerable time. The court ruled that interim bail was necessary to ensure a fair and independent probe.

The court made it clear that bail is conditional. If any accused tries to influence witnesses, tamper with evidence, or obstruct the investigation, the police can request bail cancellation. The accused must maintain proper conduct and follow court orders. Additionally, the government must submit reports on their behavior to ensure transparency.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had launched an investigation into the illegal extortion of ₹500 crore in the Chhattisgarh coal scam. The probe led to money laundering charges and arrests of several IAS officers, including Ranu Sahu, Saumya Chaurasia, Sameer Vishnoi, and others. Authorities found that funds from the scam were used to acquire movable and immovable properties, many of which were benami.

The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) confirmed that Saumya Chaurasia and her family own 29 properties worth ₹9.2 crore. Ranu Sahu allegedly bought assets worth ₹4 crore between 2015 and 2022, despite earning only ₹92 lakh in that period. Similarly, Sameer Vishnoi, whose total salary from 2010 to 2022 was ₹93 lakh, reportedly acquired properties worth ₹5 crore in his wife’s name—500 times his earnings.

The central agency is investigating money laundering linked to coal mining and liquor scams in Chhattisgarh. The probe involves politicians, officials, and several senior IAS officers.

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