A special anti-corruption court in Chhattisgarh has granted the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) police custody of senior Congress leader and state treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal until July 17, 2026, allowing investigators to continue questioning him in connection with an ongoing corruption investigation.
The order follows Agrawal's recent apprehension after investigators alleged that he had remained unavailable for questioning despite multiple notices.
Court Rejects Bail Plea
During the hearing, the defence argued that the 63-year-old leader had been unable to appear earlier because of medical issues, including cardiovascular health concerns and mobility problems.
According to the defence, Agrawal appeared before investigators after receiving a fresh notice and was cooperating with the investigation.
State prosecutors opposed the plea, arguing that repeated absences had delayed the investigation and that custodial interrogation was necessary to verify financial records and documentary evidence.
The court rejected the request for relief and granted EOW custody until July 17.
Probe Linked to Earlier Coal Levy Investigation
According to investigators, the present case is linked to an earlier Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into an alleged illegal coal levy system operating in Chhattisgarh.
Investigators allege that an unlawful collection of approximately ₹0.25 per tonne was imposed on commercial coal transportation.
The EOW subsequently registered its own case in 2024 based on material emerging during the broader investigation.
Authorities are examining financial records, transaction trails and documentary evidence connected to the alleged movement of funds.
Investigators Examining Ledger Entries
During the custodial interrogation, investigators are reportedly examining accounting records and electronic documents recovered during earlier searches.
According to the agency, certain ledger entries allegedly reference cash deliveries marked for "Congress Bhawan", the party headquarters in Raipur.
Investigators are seeking to determine:
- The origin of the alleged cash movements
- The identity of intended recipients
- The purpose of the alleged transactions
- Whether any assets or companies were financed using the funds
- Whether financial records support the allegations
These allegations remain under investigation and have not been established in court.
Multiple Financial Cases Under Examination
Officials have indicated that questioning is not limited to the coal levy investigation.
Investigators are also examining whether any financial links exist between this case and other ongoing investigations relating to:
- Alleged liquor-related irregularities
- Paddy procurement matters
- Financial transactions involving associated entities
- Alleged movement of funds through business networks
Authorities are analysing banking records, property documents, electronic devices and financial statements as part of the investigation.
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Conclusion
The EOW investigation is continuing under court supervision.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and any determination of criminal liability will depend upon evidence presented before the competent court.
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