Raipur, November 18, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested former Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani in a landmark corruption case that exposes systemic nepotism and bribery in state recruitment processes.
Key Allegations and Corruption Details
Extensive Nepotism Revealed
The investigation uncovered a complex web of corrupt practices involving:
– Appointments of relatives to key government positions
– Manipulation of merit lists
– Systematic bypassing of recruitment protocols
Specific Nepotistic Appointments
Alleged appointments included:
– Chairman’s son appointed as Deputy Collector
– Chairman’s brother’s son selected as Deputy SP
– Sister’s daughter positioned as Labor Officer
– Son’s wife appointed as Deputy Collector
– Brother’s daughter-in-law designated as District Excise Officer
Bribery Allegations
– Total bribe amount: Rs 45 lakh
– Paid by Shravan Kumar Goyal, Director of Bajrang Power and Ispat Ltd
– Bribe paid in two installments: Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh
– Purpose: Ensuring selection of Goyal’s son Sashank and daughter-in-law Bhumika Kataria as deputy collectors
Political and Social Context
Background of the Scandal
– Originated during 2021 CGPSC examination
– Became a major political issue in 2023 state assembly elections
– Triggered widespread protests by young job aspirants
– Used as a significant political campaign plank by BJP
Investigation Timeline
– 2021: Alleged corrupt practices during CGPSC examination
– 2023: BJP makes corruption a key election issue
– July 2023: CBI registers official case
– Monday: CBI arrests Sonwani and Bajrang Power director
Investigative Actions
– CBI conducted searches in Raipur and Bhilai
– Registered case against:
1. Taman Singh Sonwani (Former CGPSC Chairman)
2. J K Dhruv (Former CGPSC Secretary)
3. Shravan Kumar Goyal (Bajrang Power Director)
Impact and Implications
The scandal highlights critical issues in:
– Government recruitment processes
– Systemic corruption
– Nepotism in public service commissions
– Manipulation of merit-based selections
FAQs
Q: Who was arrested?
A: Taman Singh Sonwani (Former CGPSC Chairman) and Shravan Kumar Goyal (Bajrang Power Director)
Q: What are the primary allegations?
A: Nepotism, bribery, and manipulating recruitment results in the 2021 CGPSC examination
Q: How much was the alleged bribe?
A: Rs 45 lakh, paid in two installments
Q: What positions were allegedly manipulated?
A: Various government positions including Deputy Collector, Deputy SP, and Labor Officer
Q: How did the scandal come to light?
A: Through public protests and subsequent political and investigative scrutiny
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