Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has initiated action, including prosecution, suspension, and departmental proceedings, against five Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and two prominent Chhattisgarh State Administrative Service (CSAS) officers. These measures follow recommendations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the state government informed on Monday.
The response came during a query in the state assembly by BJP MLA Rajesh Munat regarding actions taken by the ED against officers during 2023, 2024, and 2025, and whether such information was shared with the state government. Munat also sought details about officers currently in judicial custody or released on bail in ED-related cases.
Due Process Followed by State Government
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai clarified that the ED inputs are examined under relevant service rules and criminal law provisions. “On receipt of information from the ED, each case is reviewed under applicable service rules and criminal law provisions. Wherever necessary, action is initiated, including suspension of officers, sanction for prosecution, and departmental proceedings,” he stated.
Officers Facing Prosecution and Disciplinary Action
The reply specifically mentioned:
Senior IAS Officers:
Anil Tuteja, former Joint Secretary in the Commerce and Industries Department, and Sameer Vishnoi, former Director of Geology and Mining – both have received sanction for prosecution.
Niranjan Das, retired IAS officer and former Excise Commissioner and Secretary, has been prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
CSAS Officers:
Bharosa Ram Thakur, former Collector, has been suspended, granted prosecution sanction, and is currently out on bail.
Other officers in departments such as mining, excise, and general administration have either been suspended, allowed charge-sheets to be filed in competent courts, or departmental inquiries have been permitted to proceed.
Other IAS and state officers mentioned in the assembly reply include J.P. Mourya, former Director of Land and Mining Operations; Ranu Sahu, former Korba District Collector; and Soumya Chourasiya, former Deputy Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Government Stresses Adherence to Legal Procedure
The Chief Minister emphasized that all actions are taken strictly according to due process and court directions, ensuring that no officer is treated arbitrarily.
