Former Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), Taman Singh Sonwani | File Photo
Raipur: Former Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), Taman Singh Sonwani, is facing trials in court and is currently in jail under charges of irregularities and corruption carried out in the recruitment process at CGPSC between 2019 and 2022. In the initial phase of the investigation agencies found that Sonwani accumulated significant assets during his tenure as Chief Minister’s Secretary and CGPSC Chairman.
His property holdings were not confined to his native village of Sarbada in Dhamtari district only, he is alleged to have made disproportionate assets including massive real estate investments in Raipur, Surguja, and other districts.
During his 3 years and 3 months of tenure (from July 2, 2020, to September 8, 2023), Sonwani is accused of acquiring substantial land. It is alleged that he purchased 5 acres in Uranga village, Mainpat, a popular tourist destination, in the name of his son and constructed a resort there. The laborers for the resort’s construction were reportedly brought from his village, Sarbada.
In addition, it was discovered that Sonwani, along with his family members, acquired more than 50 acres of land in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Surguja. These properties were registered in the names of his wife, Dr. Padmini, son Abhishek, and daughter Dr. Kriti. Furthermore, several land transactions were carried out, including registrations and transfers.
In a probe related to CGPSC recruitment scam, the prosecuting agency the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Bajrang Power and Steel Chairman, SK Goyal, on November 18. Goyal allegedly paid Rs 45 lakh to Dr. Padmini’s NGO to secure appointments for his son Shashank and daughter-in-law Bhumika as Deputy Collectors. Property records from Bhuiya software reveal that Sonwani and his family members acquired property across multiple districts, including Raipur, Dhamtari, and Surguja.
In Sarbada, Sonwani reportedly purchased land at rates ranging from Rs 20 to 25 lakh per acre. He also expanded his business interests by establishing schools, colleges, and acquiring several buses for his ventures. Locals claim that Sonwani had the means to buy any land at any price in the region.
The CBI is investigating other potential sources of funds Sonwani may have received for recruitment purposes. Reports indicate that Sonwani used his influence to secure jobs for various relatives, including his nephew Nitesh, niece Sunita, and other family members like Deepa Ajgale and Nisha Kosle.
In addition, several children of prominent individuals, such as IAS officer Jeevan Kishore Dhruv’s son, Sumit, former Governor’s Secretary Amrit Khalkho’s children, and children of several political leaders and industrialists, were reportedly selected through the PSC.
The CBI investigation, triggered by a complaint filed by ex-MLA Nankiram Kanwar, is fully focussed on the 2021 PSC recruitment scam, and in the light of new evidence of the malpractices carried out conducting the recruitment, the probe also included to Sonwani’s entire tenure as PSC chairman.
Moreover, two top officials from CGPSC are also under the CBI radar for their alleged role in CGPSC recruitment scandal includes Former PSC Secretary, Jeevan Kishore Dhruv, who served from October 6, 2020, until his removal on January 5, 2024 Aarti Vasnik, the former PSC Examination Controller for the State Administrative Service.