A major development in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, estimated to be worth ₹2,161 crore, involves the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) naming over 29 excise officials as accused. The allegations center on the officials’ purported collusion with a syndicate to conduct illegal alcohol sales and extort significant commissions.
Investigations by the EOW revealed that these officials were given ₹150 in commission for every case of liquor sold, which was reportedly used to purchase land, property, and invest in businesses. Following the completion of the investigation, the fifth charge sheet is scheduled to be presented on July 5 in the special court (ACB-EOW). The accused have been summoned to appear in court at 11 am. Several officials have either gone into hiding or have turned off their phones after receiving their notices. Janardan Kaurav is identified as the chief coordinator of the syndicate, who was closely affiliated with Special Secretary Arunpati Tripathi. Kaurav was responsible for overseeing the entire operation, from transfers and postings to the illegal supply of liquor.
The fraudulent activities occurred from 2019 to 2023, generating ₹2,174.60 crore through the illicit sale of 60 lakh cases of liquor. Officials are alleged to have collected ₹319 crore from suppliers. The charge sheet includes names like Vikas Goswami, Neetu Notani, Dinkar Vasnik, and Ravish Tiwari. Sixteen officials are currently employed, while 12 have already retired. The EOW has clarified that arrests will be made only with court approval, and warrants will be issued to those who fail to appear in court.