Bhopal: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today (Dec 21, 2003) carried out raids at 17 places in Madhya Pradesh and questioned several persons in connection with the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam.

CBI sources in Bhopal said the agency's sleuths carried out the searches in Indore, Hoshangabad, Pipariya, Sohagpur and several other locations.

The main accused in the fake stamp paper case, Abdul Karim Telgi had disappeared soon after a report in connection with the scam was registered with the police in Indore in the year 2000, they said.

Telgi had floated two firms, one each in Indore and Bhopal and allegedly sold fake stamp papers through their networks, sources added.

CBI sleuths also conducted searches at the residence of a stamp vendor in Bhopal in addition to the official and residential premises of some officials of the security paper mills in Hoshangabad, the sources said.

Certain locations at Pipariya and Sohagpur were also raided and several persons questioned, they added.