Legal proceedings surrounding Chhattisgarh's high-profile coal levy case have intensified following the submission of a sixth supplementary chargesheet before a special court in Raipur. Filed jointly by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Economic Offences Wing, the fresh document formally names 12 individuals as accused, including leaders associated with the Congress party. Beyond political figures, the investigative filings have attracted widespread attention after referencing a literary gathering associated with renowned poet Dr Kumar Vishwas.
Digital Messages Form Core Investigative Evidence
Unlike previous filings centered on traditional account books and paperwork, this latest submission relies heavily on digital communication records. According to the chargesheet, key evidence includes WhatsApp exchanges between Member of Legislative Assembly Devendra Singh Yadav and Suryakant Tiwari, identified as one of the primary accused in the broader coal levy case. Investigating officials presented these transcripts before the court as crucial corroborative material tracing the movement and allocation of illicit funds.
Rs 25 Lakh Provision Noted Around Khairagarh By-Election
The documented dialogue dates back to the political campaign surrounding the Khairagarh assembly by-election in the state. Amid the heightened electoral contest, the messages reference organising a cultural or literary programme featuring Dr Kumar Vishwas, explicitly noting an arrangement of Rs 25 lakh for the event. The investigative filing clarifies, however, that it has not yet been established whether the actual payment for Kumar Vishwas was disbursed using illicit funds derived from the coal levy network.
Three Crore Rupees Moved Across 11 Instalments
Forensic examination of digital trails revealed that a total sum of Rs 3 crore was transported into the election constituency within a span of 14 days, between 28 March and 10 April 2022. Rather than a single transfer, the funds were dispatched in 11 separate tranches. A substantial portion of this capital was directed toward campaign drives, logistical requirements, and regional cultural gatherings. Following the submission of this sixth chargesheet, legal arguments and political scrutiny are expected to expand further. As of the court filing, Dr Kumar Vishwas has not issued a formal public statement regarding the reference in the judicial record.
