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 and seizing approximately ₹5.39 crore in cash and valuables, officials reported.
According to an official statement, the ED’s Raipur zonal office executed search operations on April 30 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeting 13 premises in Raipur, Durg/Bhilai, and Bilaspur districts.
The raids focused on liquor traders, chartered accountants, businessmen, and corporate entities suspected of involvement in handling or concealing proceeds of crime related to the scam.
During the operation, 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 seized, which are currently under 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 investigations indicate 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 in the procurement, licensing, and sale of liquor in Chhattisgarh between 2019 and 2022.
According to the chargesheets filed by the EOW/ACB, the total amount of crime proceeds generated through this scam 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 then 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 liquor manufacturers, cash handlers, hawala operators, license holders, and political intermediaries.
Officials stated that six interim attachment orders (PAOs) have been issued under the PMLA, leading to the attachment of approximately ₹380 crore in movable and immovable assets, including 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 the special PMLA court in Raipur. These cases are currently ongoing in various judicial forums, including the special court, Chhattisgarh High Court, and the Supreme Court.
Officials reported that recent searches have uncovered additional evidence, and further action will be taken based on these findings, including the submission of more documents and filing of charges. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
