ED Conducts Raids At Residences Of Senior IAS Officer In Ranchi & Businessmen In Raipur In Massive Liquor Scam Probe

On October 29, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched significant operations in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand as part of its ongoing investigation into a large liquor scam. Raids were carried out at the residences of various individuals, including a bar operator in Raipur and senior IAS officer Vinay Chaubey in Ranchi. These raids follow an FIR filed by a local complainant, Vikas Kumar, which outlines serious allegations against key officials, including Chaubey and Gajendra Singh, regarding the orchestration of the scam through manipulated excise policies. The investigation has exposed a convoluted network of corruption that allegedly began with rule changes designed to benefit specific entities within the liquor industry. Reports indicate that Arunpati Tripathi, a prominent figure in the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation, was involved as a consultant for Jharkhand, with significant financial incentives pointed out in tender processes. Moreover, findings have included a diary belonging to businessman Siddharth Singhania, which supposedly details plans to monopolize the liquor market in Jharkhand, drawing parallels with operations in neighboring Chhattisgarh. As the ED continues its efforts to dismantle this elaborate scheme, further developments are anticipated. The investigation underscores the scale of corruption embedded within excise management and the challenges faced in curbing such illegal practices across India’s states.