The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Chhattisgarh, have arrested former managing director of the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Ltd (CSMCL), Arunpati Tripathi, in connection with the alleged ₹172-crore overtime payment scam involving illegal payments made through manpower agencies.Tripathi was arrested on July 17 in connection with an EOW-ACB case registered under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC, including charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery and use of forged documents. He was produced before a court on Saturday, which remanded him to police custody till July 20.The case stems from an Enforcement Directorate (ED) action in November 2023, when officials of its Raipur zonal office seized ₹28.80 lakh in cash from three persons and referred the matter to the Chhattisgarh government for further action. Based on the information, the EOW-ACB registered an FIR and launched an investigation.According to investigators, between 2019-20 and 2023-24, more than ₹172 crore was allegedly siphoned off through illegal payments made to manpower agencies in the name of overtime wages, payment for four additional working days, bonus and service charges. The probe alleges that a substantial portion of the funds was returned as cash commission and shared by a syndicate.The agency said charge sheets have already been filed against 12 accused in the case before the competent court.EOW-ACB officials said Tripathi’s custodial interrogation is expected to help uncover further evidence regarding the alleged conspiracy. The investigation is continuing.
