In the case of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) scam, ED raided 8 different locations in Guwahati on Tuesday (August 5, 2025). This action is being done under investigation of money laundering against retired IAS officer Savali Devi Sharma and others associated with him.
Sewali Devi Sharma was a less director of the Assam government’s STATE COUNCIL of Educational Research and Training’s Executive Chairperson. He was given the responsibility of studying the DEL ED of National Council for Teacher Education in the Diploma in Elementary Education Distance Mode.
The government had approved training to 27897 government teachers in only 59 recognized institutions, but Sewali Devi Sharma opened 347 study centers without permission and gave admission to a total of 10,6,828 trainees. Its purpose was only one to charge more fees. Sewali Devi Sharma opened 5 bank accounts in the name of ODL Sale, in which only she could sign. This account was against Assam Financial Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2005.
‘Tenders without tenders, contracts without advertisement’
More than 115 crore fees were deposited in these accounts, which should have been directly known in the government treasury, but they kept this money in private accounts and spent more than 105 crores out of it, without the approval of the government. The ED investigation has also revealed that contracts were given without any advertisement to work. All these contracts were given to companies of their relatives and acquaintances. Such as his daughter, son -in -law and his close chartered accountant Sarang More.
‘Payment made without getting goods’
Most of the companies had no such experience that they could do this work, yet they were given a huge amount. In many cases, the goods were not supplied. Despite this, payment was made. In this entire case, the CM Special Vigilance Cell has already registered an FIR and a charge sheet has also been filed against many people including Sewali Devi Sharma.
Initial investigation of the police has found evidence of having a benami property of more than 5.7 crores from him. Which is more than their income. Now ED is investigating the money laundering angle in this case, in which transactions were done for personal benefits using government money.
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