Raipur, May 3: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, conducting simultaneous raids across multiple locations in the state. Authorities have seized approximately ₹5.39 crore in cash and valuable items.
According to an official statement, the ED’s Raipur zonal office executed the search operations on April 30 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The raids targeted 13 premises located in Raipur, Durg/Bhilai, and Bilaspur districts.
The operation focused on liquor traders, chartered accountants, businesspersons, and corporate entities suspected of handling or concealing proceeds from the scam. During the raids, officials recovered ₹53 lakh in cash and around 3.234 kilograms of gold jewelry and bars, valued at approximately ₹4.86 crore. Additionally, several incriminating documents and digital devices were confiscated for further investigation.
The ED is investigating the case based on FIRs filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Raipur. Preliminary findings suggest a well-organized criminal conspiracy involving senior bureaucrats, liquor producers, FL-10A license holders, and their associates.
The alleged scam pertains to the collection of illegal commissions related to the purchase, licensing, and sale of liquor in Chhattisgarh between 2019 and 2022. According to the EOW/ACB charge sheets, the total amount of proceeds from the crime is estimated to be around ₹2,883 crore.
So far, the ED has arrested nine individuals under Section 19 of the PMLA, including a retired IAS officer, the then Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), the former Excise Commissioner, the former Excise Minister, the son of the former Chief Minister, and a deputy secretary to the Chief Minister.
The investigation encompasses various aspects, including the roles of distillers, cash handlers, hawala operators, license holders, and political intermediaries.
Officials reported that six interim attachment orders (PAOs) have been issued under the PMLA, resulting in the attachment of assets worth approximately ₹380 crore. These include residential and commercial properties, bank accounts, vehicles, jewelry, and shares linked to the accused and their alleged shell companies. Many of these attachments have been confirmed by the adjudicating authority based in New Delhi.
The ED has also filed six charges against 81 accused individuals and entities in a special PMLA court in Raipur. These cases are currently pending in various judicial forums, including the special court, Chhattisgarh High Court, and the Supreme Court.
Officials indicated that recent searches have yielded additional evidence, and further actions will be taken based on these findings, including the submission of more documents and filing of charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Leave a Comment