ED Seizes ₹5 Crore in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Probe
The alleged scam took place between 2019 and 2022 during the tenure of the Congress government led by former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday said it seized cash and gold worth over Rs 5 crore during fresh searches in a money laundering probe linked to the alleged Rs 2,800-crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam. Searches were conducted on April 30 at premises of liquor traders, chartered accountants, businessmen and corporate entities in Raipur, Durg, Bhilai and Bilaspur. The agency said these entities were suspected to have received, handled or concealed proceeds of crime.
The ED said it seized Rs 53 lakh in cash and 3.23 kg of gold jewellery and bullion valued at Rs 4.86 crore, along with documents and digital devices.
The agency said it has so far attached assets worth Rs 380 crore in the case following multiple rounds of searches.
According to the ED, the alleged scam took place between 2019 and 2022 during the tenure of the Congress government led by former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.
The agency alleged that a syndicate involving bureaucrats and political figures took control of the state excise department, causing losses to the exchequer, with proceeds of crime estimated at Rs 2,883 crore.
The ED has filed six chargesheets naming 81 accused, including Chaitanya Baghel, IAS officer Niranjan Das, retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma and former deputy secretary Saumya Chaurasia.
