Raipur. The troubles of former minister Amarjeet Bhagat and his associates seem to be increasing. Former Congress minister Amarjeet Bhagat, his wife, his son and other close associates have been named in the 24-page report sent by the Income Tax Department’s investigation branch to the State Economic Offenses Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau. The report prepared by the office of the Deputy Director of Income Tax was submitted by DDIT (Investigation) in Raipur to the Principal Director of Income Tax Department, PDIT (Investigation) on 27 February. This was sent to SEOIACB a fortnight ago. The report said that Amarjeet Bhagat took bribe of more than Rs 12 crore from DMF contracts, transfer postings from the financial year 2019-20 to 2021-22 in return for various benefits given by him. The report has sensationally revealed how Amarjeet Bhagat, who was holding the charge of the Ministry of Planning, Food and Culture in the Congress government led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh, used to take commission in exchange for providing undue benefits to different individuals. These unfair favoritism included providing favorable treatment in award of contracts, transfer of officials etc. These bribes were taken either directly by the minister or by his sons Aditya Bhagat, Suresh Kumar Yadav, Harpal Singh Arora (Raju Arora) and Rajesh Verma. Searches were conducted for four days at the locations of the former minister and his close relatives. This was revealed during the 4-day long search and seizure operation conducted on January 31 against the former minister and his close associates. This modus operandi was confirmed through the evidence seized and statements recorded. According to the report, the then Food Minister Bhagat was accused of incriminating cash worth Rs 1,15,26,666 during the financial year 2019-20 by M/s KK Agro Trade Ventures Pvt Ltd (part of the Food Cartel Group) on December 14, 2023. Found during the search and seizure operation. This was the main issue, which formed the background to conduct searches on Bhagat and his associates. Illegal money invested in real estate business A copy of this report has been obtained along with enclosures, which include exhibits and statements of other persons/entities associated with Bhagat. The report clearly states that cognizable offenses have been committed against Bhagat, including his two personal assistants (PAs) Suresh Kumar Yadav and Rajesh Verma and his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Atul Shete, Harpal Singh Arora, Raju Aggarwal and several others. There is mention of their involvement in earning illegal money through collusion. Apart from this, Amarjeet Bhagat invested illegal money in real estate business through a frontman Harpal Singh Arora, resident of Raipur. Political image is being tarnished – Bhagat Here Amarjeet Bhagat has issued a video statement. In this he said that various fabricated allegations are being made through news to tarnish his image. An attempt is being made to spread confusion. I have done clean politics from the beginning. I come from a farmer, tribal background and these allegations are a failed attempt to malign my image. I completely reject all the allegations. I advise everyone not to spread such misleading news otherwise legal action will have to be taken against them.