The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Dipen Chawda, an aide of businessman Anwar Dhebar, in connection with the ₹175-crore rice milling scam. Authorities allege that Chawda collected nearly ₹20 crore from public servants during the illegal operation.
The chargesheet was submitted in the Special Court (Prevention of Corruption Act), Raipur, confirming Chawda’s key role in orchestrating the scam.
Chawda Arrested as Key Accused
Chawda was arrested last month and is considered a primary associate of Dhebar. So far, the EOW has arrested five individuals in connection with the case.
Investigators claim that Chawda extorted ₹20 crore from public officials linked to the rice milling operations.
Earlier Chargesheets and Accused
The first chargesheet, filed in February 2025, targeted:
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Manoj Soni, former Managing Director of CG-Markfed
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Roshan Chandrakar, treasurer of the Chhattisgarh State Rice Millers Association (CRMA) and a rice miller
A supplementary chargesheet followed in October 2025 against businessman Anwar Dhebar and retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja.
Case Background: Money Laundering and Illegal Recovery
The EOW and Anti-Corruption Bureau initiated the case last year based on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report investigating money laundering. The agency has reportedly detected illegal recoveries worth around ₹140 crore from rice millers.
The scam relates to the 2021-22 kharif marketing season, during the Congress-led government of then CM Bhupesh Baghel. Investigators allege that CRMA officials colluded with CG-Markfed officers to misuse a special incentive scheme, earning kickbacks illegally.
How the Scam Operated
Until 2021-22, rice millers received a special incentive of ₹40 per quintal for custom milling, later increased to ₹120 per quintal in two instalments.
EOW alleges that CG-Markfed officials, district marketing officers, and CRMA office-bearers withheld incentive bills and extorted ₹20 per quintal without justification.
Investigators further allege that retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja coordinated the illegal collection with CRMA officials. Businessman Anwar Dhebar, brother of Congress leader and former Raipur mayor Aijaz Dhebar, reportedly managed and utilised the illicit funds during the 2018–23 Congress government.
