Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Baghel’s OSD held in exam irregularities case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Chetan Borghariya, a former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the office of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with money laundering allegations related to irregularities in the 2020 and 2021 Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) State Service Examinations.

Borghariya was arrested on September 11 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation, initiated following an FIR in February 2024 by the Economic Offences Wing/ACB Raipur, also implicated Chhattisgarh's former CGPSC Chairman, Taman Singh Sonwani, and others. The ED's findings reveal that Utkarsh, Utkarsh Chandrakar, Anil Chandrakar, and Dr Vikash Chandrakar allegedly received illegal gratification of over Rs 3 crore from CGPSC exam candidates on the promise of advance question papers and selection assistance from individuals connected to Baghel's office.

It is alleged that Borghariya's position was used to make such assurances. The scandal allegedly involved candidates being gathered at a marriage hall prior to the Preliminary Examination and then transferred to a resort for coaching based on leaked question papers. Cash deposits totaling Rs 66.64 lakh were found in Borghariya's bank account, and communications between Borghariya and Utkarsh Chandrakar discussing financial transactions were seized.

The ED's investigation has uncovered evidence of the Proceeds of Crime, including acquisition, possession, concealment, and use, and Borghariya has been placed in ED custody for six days starting from his arrest.