Why Did the Anti-Corruption Bureau Issue an Arrest Warrant for Chhattisgarh Businessman in the Jharkhand Liquor Scam?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
An arrest warrant has been issued for Chhattisgarh businessman Siddharth Singhania in a major liquor scam affecting Jharkhand. The ACB is expanding its investigation to include multiple individuals across various states. More arrests may follow as the case unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Arrest warrants have been issued for key businessmen.
- The ACB is expanding its investigation to multiple states.
- Financial losses to the Jharkhand government are significant and may increase.
- A strong nexus between Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand has been exposed.
- Transparency and accountability are essential in governance.
Ranchi, June 12 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Special Court in Ranchi has issued an arrest warrant against Chhattisgarh-based businessman Siddharth Singhania in relation to the Jharkhand liquor scam.
A day prior, a similar warrant was issued for Ranchi-based automobile entrepreneur Vinay Kumar Singh after both individuals failed to comply with ACB summons for questioning.
In line with the court's directives, ACB teams have initiated raids at potential hideouts of the accused.
As part of a broader investigation, the ACB has sent notices to numerous other individuals for questioning, including Saroj Lohia, Bachcha Lohia, and Atima Khanna from Raipur (Chhattisgarh); Manish Jain and Rajiv Dwivedi from Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh); as well as Ajit Jaisingh Rao, Amit Prabhakar Solanki, and Sunil Marutre Kumbhkar from Pune (Maharashtra).
So far, none of these individuals have appeared for questioning. The agency may seek arrest warrants if they continue to evade cooperation.
The ACB reports that the scam has led to a financial loss exceeding Rs 38 crore to the Jharkhand government — a figure expected to rise as the investigation continues.
In a related development, three individuals have been placed on a two-day remand starting Thursday for further interrogation. They are Sudhir Kumar Das, former General Manager (Finance) of the Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL); Sudhir Kumar, former General Manager (Finance & Operations) of JSBCL; and Neeraj Kumar Singh, a local representative of a manpower placement agency supplying labor to liquor shops.
The scam has unveiled a significant Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand nexus. During an investigation into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, the Chhattisgarh ACB discovered a diary at Siddharth Singhania's residence.
This diary reportedly contained information about a larger syndicate operating in Jharkhand, including strategies to "identify and manage" those who could hinder the illegal liquor trade.
To date, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the Jharkhand liquor scam. They include Vinay Kumar Chaubey, former Principal Secretary of the Excise & Prohibition Department; Gajendra Singh, former Joint Commissioner of Excise; Sudhir Kumar Das, former GM (Finance) of JSBCL; Sudhir Kumar, former GM (Finance & Operations) of JSBCL; and Neeraj Kumar Singh, the agency representative.
Point of View
It is crucial to follow the Anti-Corruption Bureau's investigation into the Jharkhand liquor scam meticulously. This situation underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in sectors vulnerable to corruption. The interplay between state governments and business interests must be scrutinized to prevent such illicit activities.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jharkhand liquor scam?
The Jharkhand liquor scam involves significant financial irregularities and illegal activities related to the liquor trade, causing substantial losses to the Jharkhand government.
Who is Siddharth Singhania?
Siddharth Singhania is a businessman based in Chhattisgarh who has been implicated in the Jharkhand liquor scam, leading to an arrest warrant issued against him by the ACB.
What actions are being taken by the ACB?
The ACB has issued arrest warrants, conducted raids, and summoned multiple individuals for questioning as part of their investigation into the liquor scam.
What are the consequences of the scam?
The scam has reportedly caused a loss exceeding Rs 38 crore to the Jharkhand government, with potential for that figure to rise as investigations continue.
How many people have been arrested so far?
So far, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the Jharkhand liquor scam, including former government officials and agency representatives.
