Raipur, February 23 The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) arrested former IAS officer Anil Tuteja on Monday for his alleged involvement in irregularities related to the District Mineral Fund (DMF) that occurred during the previous Congress government in the state, an official said.
Tuteja is currently in judicial custody in connection with several scams, including the alleged liquor scam in the state, he added.
He was apprehended and presented before the special ACB/EOW court, which granted the ACB/EOW custodial remand until February 26, according to a statement from the agency.
"A detailed investigation uncovered significant digital evidence, documents, and statements that prima facie indicate Tuteja's involvement in securing and allocating DMF-funded projects to individuals and firms known to him in exchange for commissions. Through his relatives and close associates, Tuteja facilitated the allocation of DMF projects to multiple firms for financial gain," the statement said.
Based on the evidence collected so far, cognizable offences involving the misuse of government funds, criminal conspiracy, and corrupt practices have been prima facie established, it said, adding that further investigation into the case is underway.
The ACB/EOW had filed a chargesheet against nine persons in May 2025. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating the money laundering angle in the alleged DMF scam.
The DMF is a trust set up in all districts of the state with the aim of benefiting those affected by mining-related projects and activities.
The ACB/EOW had registered an FIR in connection with the alleged DMF scam in January 2024, based on information provided by the ED.
In another case, the ACB/EOW apprehended businessman Anwar Dhebar, who is the elder brother of former Raipur mayor Aijaz Dhebar, in a case linked to alleged irregularities in overtime payments in Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL) during the previous Bhupesh Baghel government in the state.
Anwar Dhebar is also in judicial custody for his alleged involvement in several scams, including the alleged liquor scam in the state.
He was arrested and presented before the special court, which granted the ACB/EOW custodial remand, the statement added.
On November 29, 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized Rs 28.80 lakh from three individuals and informed the Chhattisgarh government for further action, following which the ACB/EOW registered a case in 2024, it added.
"The investigation revealed large-scale payments made in the name of overtime or overtime allowance through manpower and placement agencies engaged by CSMCL. Bills submitted by the agencies included overtime payments meant for employees working in liquor outlets, and the funds were released to the agencies with the expectation that they would be disbursed to the concerned workers," the statement added.
Approximately Rs 100 crore was reportedly paid between 2019-20 and 2023-24 under overtime headings, but instead of being distributed to employees, a significant portion of the funds was withdrawn and diverted as illegal commissions through agencies, resulting in a financial loss to the government, it said.
The investigation further found that the commissions generated through the alleged scheme were ultimately delivered to Dhebar, the statement said.