In a major corruption case, Taman Singh Sonwani, a former IAS officer, has been arrested for allegedly accepting a Rs 45 lakh bribe to appoint a businessman’s family members as Deputy Collectors in Chhattisgarh. Sonwani, who served as chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), was accused of facilitating these appointments through corrupt means. Shravan Kumar Goyal, a Raipur-based steel tycoon, allegedly transferred the bribe amount in two instalments. The case, investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), also exposes irregularities during the PCS recruitment process under Sonwani’s tenure, with numerous ineligible candidates being selected.

Sonwani, who joined the IAS in 2004, later opted for voluntary retirement and became CGPSC chairman in 2020. He served until September 2023. During his tenure, complaints arose regarding biased recruitment practices, with allegations that his relatives were unfairly appointed. Following these complaints, the Chhattisgarh government recommended a CBI investigation, which ultimately led to his arrest.

The bribery case underscores concerns about corruption in recruitment processes, especially in government services, where positions such as Deputy Collector are crucial to the functioning of the administrative machinery. The CBI’s investigation is ongoing, and further arrests and revelations may emerge.