Supreme Court Grants Bail in Coal Scam
30 Sep 2024 CW Team
The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Saumya Chaurasia, the former deputy secretary to ex-Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the coal levy scam investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Chaurasia had been arrested under charges related to a massive illegal levy on coal transport in Chhattisgarh, amounting to over ?500 crores. The scam involved alleged collection of levies from coal and mining businesses by government officials in exchange for providing favorable services. The apex court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings, as Chaurasia's role in the scam was central to ED’s case, with accusations of money laundering and corruption.