The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched operations in Chhattisgarh, with raids targeting a major railway contractor and the owner of Hotel Sagar International. The raids commenced Tuesday morning at the Durg-based premises of Vijay Agrawal. ED teams, accompanied by CRPF personnel, were involved in the operation.
Insiders report that the ED is focused on detailed interrogation and document analysis at Agrawal’s residence and office. Reports indicate that Vijay Agrawal has several firms registered under various names, and other members of his family are also active in business ventures. This business group was previously run by three brothers but has recently seen a family split. The ED is investigating the entire group, including all three brothers. The family had earlier drawn attention during the previous Chhattisgarh government, connected to the Mid-Day Meal program through contract awards. Additionally, some group members faced scrutiny in the Rail Neer scam.
The raids are not believed to be confined to Durg, with ED teams also active in Raipur, where the family has additional business interests. The Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Raipur, owned by the family, could also be under investigation. While the ED has yet to release an official statement, the investigation is likely to persist throughout the day. The recent ED actions in Chhattisgarh are likely to have a significant impact on the state’s commercial and political environment.