Former Chhattisgarh PSC Chairman Arrested in Major Money Laundering Scandal

Taman Singh Sonwani, the former chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of money laundering related to an examination paper leak. The investigation reveals manipulation of state service exams and illegal payments favoring relatives. The case stems from a CBI FIR and highlights significant corruption within the PSC. Sonwani's detention raises questions about the integrity of the recruitment process in Chhattisgarh. Read on to discover the details of this unfolding scandal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2026, 18:07 IST

Arrest of Taman Singh Sonwani

Raipur: On Saturday, the Enforcement Directorate apprehended Taman Singh Sonwani, the former chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC), on allegations of money laundering linked to a purported examination paper leak, according to officials.

The investigation focuses on the unauthorized release of examination papers and the manipulation of state service exams held in 2020 and 2021 by the CGPSC.

Officials indicated that Sonwani was detained under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following his questioning, during which he reportedly provided evasive answers.

He is set to appear before a special PMLA court in Raipur, where the ED intends to request his custodial remand, as stated by an official.

This money laundering inquiry originates from a 2024 FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI's case was initiated based on a complaint from state police after the BJP took control in Chhattisgarh, defeating the Congress in November 2023. Sonwani was previously arrested by the CBI in 2024.

The ED has accused Sonwani of leaking examination papers and manipulating selections in exchange for illegal payments, favoring his relatives and candidates who offered bribes.

The agency alleged that in 2021, the PSC's recruitment rules were altered to exclude the term 'nephew' from the family definition, purportedly to enable the selection of his relatives for government positions.

The investigation revealed that bribes were collected both in cash and laundered through a family-run organization disguised as a CSR donation for a non-existent educational institution.

It is alleged that approximately Rs 45 lakh was funneled in this manner from a private firm as a quid pro quo for securing the selection of two deputy collectors.