In a major development in the Chhattisgarh coal scam, the Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to Soumya Chaurasia, a name that has since sparked discussions across the country. Chaurasia, once one of the most influential bureaucrats in the state, rose to power from a modest administrative background, even though she belonged to a lower cadre.
Chaurasia, a 2008-batch officer of the Chhattisgarh Administrative Service, gained prominence after she was appointed Deputy Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office by former CM Bhupesh Baghel. This position, usually reserved for senior IAS officers, marked her swift rise in the state’s administrative hierarchy, often outshining senior officials during Baghel’s tenure.
However, her ascent hit a roadblock when she came under the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) scrutiny. Her name surfaced in connection with the infamous ₹500 crore coal scam, prompting a detailed investigation. During a probe by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), unaccounted assets worth ₹9.2 crore were discovered under her name.
As the ED deepened its investigation into illegal coal-related earnings, Chaurasia became a key figure, eventually facing charges of money laundering. The ED filed FIRs against 36 individuals, including Chaurasia, Suryakant Tiwari, coal washery operator Sunil Agrawal, IAS officers Sameer Vishnoi, Ranu Sahu, and former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma. Chaurasia had been in Raipur Central Jail for a year and nine months before being granted bail.
Bail under specific conditions
The Supreme Court granted Chaurasia conditional bail in the money laundering case. She must regularly appear before the trial court, her passport will remain with the court, and she is prohibited from tampering with evidence or using her influence. The High Court had previously denied her bail plea, prompting her to approach the Supreme Court.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan raised concerns about why she was held for over a year and nine months without bail, especially when three co-accused had been granted relief. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju argued that Chaurasia’s position could influence the investigation, but the court dismissed this argument and approved the conditional bail.
