The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Monday that a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Raipur has acknowledged two prosecution complaints filed by them. These complaints are related to an illegal levy on the transportation of coal and iron pellets in Chhattisgarh.

The individuals under scrutiny in this case include Saumya Chaurasia, Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, and Sameer Vishnoi, an IAS officer. Both Vishnoi and Chaurasia were previously arrested by the ED in connection with the matter.

According to the ED, their investigation has revealed that proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 540 crore were generated through this extortion racket. These funds were allegedly used for political expenses, the creation of benami assets, and the bribery of officials. The ED has already attached assets worth over Rs 220 crore in relation to this case.

The ED's money laundering investigation focuses on Suryakant Tiwari, a coal businessman, and Chaurasia, who are accused of extorting illegal levies on the transportation of coal, iron pellets, and other commodities in Chhattisgarh.

Multiple searches have been conducted by the ED, leading to the arrest of nine individuals who are currently in judicial custody. The ED has filed two prosecution complaints against Suryakant Tiwari, Saumya Chaurasia, Sameer Vishnoi, and others before a special court in Raipur.

The Special Court (PMLA) in Raipur has now taken cognizance of the ED's prosecution complaints. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.