CBI Books Officials over Favouritism in Selection of Public Servants in Chhattisgarh PSC Exam

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation has taken over the probe into the alleged Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission scam in which family members and relatives of the then chairman, officials, and politicians were appointed in District collectorate and as Deputy SPs during 2020-22. 

According to the officials, the agency has registered an FIR against then CGPSC chairperson Taman Singh Sonwani, Secretary J K Dhruv, and others for alleged nepotism and pushing their ineligible sons, daughters, relatives, and acquaintances into the merit list to ensure their recruitment on plum posts of district collectors, Deputy SPs and other such posts. 

CBI conduct Raids at various places in Raipur

The CBI Monday conducted searches at the residential premises of Taman Singh Sonawani, Secretary Dhruv (both booked in the FIR), and others at Raipur and Bhilai.

The CBI has alleged that Sonawani's son Nitesh was allegedly selected as Deputy Collector, his elder brother's son Sahil as Deputy SP and his sister's daughter Sunita Joshi as Labour Officer, wife of his son Nisha Kosale as Deputy Collector and his brother's daughter-in-law Deepa Adil as District Excise Officer.

CBI spokesperson also mentioned of allegations against Secretary, (Dhruv) of Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, Chhattisgarh that he got selected his son (Sumit) for the post of Deputy Collector.

"It has been further alleged that then Secretary (Dhruv) of Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, Chhattisgarh, got selected his son (Sumit) to the post of Deputy Collector," a CBI Spokesperson said.

The agency has alleged that sons, daughters, relatives of the senior officers of the Chhattisgarh government as well as politicians were selected in the merit list of total 171 candidates selected in the examination, they said.

CBI is conducting searches at the residential premises of the then Chairman and secretary, CGPSC and also at the official premises of the Controller of Examination, CGPSC at Raipur and Bhilai.

(With Inputs from PTI)