The Chhattisgarh liquor scam, estimated at ₹2,161 crore, has seen significant progress with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) naming more than 29 excise officials as defendants. The investigation alleges that these officials collaborated with a syndicate to facilitate illegal alcohol sales and collect substantial commissions.
The EOW’s probe uncovered that these officials each received ₹150 per liquor case sold, funds that were then purportedly invested in real estate, other assets, and business ventures. With the investigation complete, the fifth charge sheet is slated for presentation on July 5 in the special ACB-EOW court. Accused individuals have been notified to appear in court at 11 am. Several officials are either evading authorities or have become unreachable by phone after receiving the summons. Janardan Kaurav, identified as the primary coordinator of the syndicate, allegedly worked closely with Special Secretary Arunpati Tripathi, overseeing aspects ranging from official postings to illegal alcohol distribution.
The illicit activities spanned from 2019 to 2023, resulting in ₹2,174.60 crore in earnings from the unlawful sale of 60 lakh cases of liquor. Authorities contend that ₹319 crore was extracted by officials from suppliers. The charge sheet lists several names, including Vikas Goswami, Neetu Notani, Dinkar Vasnik, and Ravish Tiwari. Of those implicated, 16 officials are still employed, whereas 12 are retired. The EOW has confirmed that arrests will be executed based on court directives, and warrants will be issued for those who fail to comply with court orders.