ACB-EOW raids 13 locations in Chhattisgarh liquor scam, Rs 19 lakh cash seized

RAIPUR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing (ACB-EOW) today conducted simultaneous raids at 13 locations across Chhattisgarh as part of its ongoing probe into the multi-crore liquor scam.The early morning action caused a significant stir in political and business circles. The raids targeted individuals and properties in Raipur, Dantewada, Ambikapur, Sukma, and Jagdalpur, believed to be connected to the alleged irregularities, according to sources. An ACB-EOW press release disclosed the alleged involvement of former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma in the liquor scam. The investigation suggested that Lakhma purportedly facilitated syndicate members, providing them and himself with illegal gains. Confidential sources and the investigation further indicated that Lakhma had allegedly secured and invested illicit funds through close associates, friends, and partners."Consequently, on Saturday, 13 teams of the ACB-EOW conducted raids at 13 different locations in Raipur, Jagdalpur, Ambikapur, Dantewada, and Sukma districts. During the operation, significant documents, mobile phones, electronic devices, details of several bank accounts, and land investment documents related to the case were recovered from the residences and other premises of the suspects. Additionally, Rs 19 lakh in cash was also seized.The analysis of the recovered documents and further legal proceedings are underway," the ACB-EOW press release stated. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating the Chhattisgarh liquor scam and has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the ACB, alleging a scam worth over Rs 2,000 crore. The ED's investigation reportedly revealed that during the previous government's tenure, a syndicate comprising IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Excise Department MD AP Tripathi, and businessman Anwar Dhebar orchestrated the scam. The ACB is currently investigating the FIR filed by the ED. Information from the ACB suggests that illegal liquor was sold from government liquor stores using duplicate holograms between 2019 and 2022, resulting in a loss of crores of rupees in revenue to the state. Sources indicated that over 100 officials were involved in the operation, underscoring the scale and complexity of the alleged scam. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai affirmed that the investigation is ongoing based on received complaints. He stressed that his government would not spare any of the culprits involved.