Why has the ED arrested a retired IAS officer in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking development, the Enforcement Directorate has arrested retired IAS officer Niranjan Das in connection with the massive Chhattisgarh liquor scam, revealing a web of corruption that cost the state billions. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests anticipated as the ED uncovers the extent of the scandal.
Key Takeaways
- Niranjan Das has been arrested for his role in a major liquor scam.
- The scam is estimated to involve proceeds exceeding Rs 2,500 crore.
- Das allegedly ignored his official duties while facilitating illegal activities.
- Numerous other individuals, including politicians and businessmen, have also been implicated.
- The investigation continues as more arrests are anticipated.
Raipur, Dec 23 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events in the notorious Chhattisgarh liquor scandal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the Raipur Zonal Office has taken into custody a former IAS officer, Niranjan Das.
This arrest, made on December 19, comes as part of charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Following his detention, Das was presented before the Special Court (PMLA) in Raipur, which has ordered him to remain in ED custody for three days until Tuesday (December 22). The investigation was initiated after an FIR was filed by the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offences Wing (ACB/EOW) citing relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Investigators have unveiled a meticulously organized syndicate that functioned during the previous Congress administration (2019-2022), leading to massive financial losses for the state.
The scam is estimated to have produced proceeds of crime (POC) surpassing Rs 2,500 crore, with some evaluations suggesting the total could range between Rs 3,000-3,500 crore due to illegal commissions, manipulation of liquor policies, and the unregulated sale of undeclared liquor.
As per the ED, Niranjan Das is believed to have personally acquired approximately Rs 18 crore in illicit funds.
Evidence collected from digital records, confiscated documents, and witness testimonies has convincingly demonstrated his role as a key player within the liquor syndicate.
In his capacity as a senior IAS officer, Das was intentionally assigned additional responsibilities as Excise Commissioner and Secretary of the Excise Department, facilitating the execution of the scam. Rather than fulfilling his official duties, he reportedly ignored rampant revenue theft, allowing the syndicate to operate with impunity, while allegedly receiving monthly payments of Rs 50 lakh.
Das is accused of directing field officers to encourage the sale of illicit and undeclared liquor within their jurisdictions, making his role crucial in both the original corruption and the subsequent laundering of the proceeds.
The scam involved a collaboration between politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen who manipulated the procurement, distribution, and sales of liquor via the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL). Their tactics included price fixing, adulteration of locally produced liquor, and the issuance of unauthorized holograms.
Numerous prominent figures have already been apprehended by the ED in connection with this case, including retired IAS official Anil Tuteja, businessmen Arvind Singh, Trilok Singh Dhillon, and Anwar Dhebar, ITS officer Arun Pati Tripathi, former Excise Minister and MLA Kawasi Lakhma, Chaitanya Baghel (son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel), and former Deputy Secretary Soumya Chaurasia.
The investigation continues as the ED works to trace additional financial paths and identify other possible beneficiaries of the scam.
Point of View
The arrest of Niranjan Das signals a critical moment in addressing corruption within government ranks. As the enforcement agencies probe deeper into this scandal, it's essential to uphold transparency and accountability to restore public trust. NationPress stands firm in advocating for a system where justice prevails, and the perpetrators are held accountable, ensuring that citizens are aware of the ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Niranjan Das faced?
Niranjan Das has been charged under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for his involvement in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam.
How much money is involved in the scam?
The scam is estimated to have generated proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 2,500 crore, with some estimates placing it between Rs 3,000-3,500 crore.
Who else has been arrested in this case?
Other arrested individuals include retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, various businessmen, and influential politicians linked to the scam.
What role did Niranjan Das play in the scam?
As a senior IAS officer, he allegedly facilitated the scam by turning a blind eye to illegal activities and directing officers to promote illicit liquor sales.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the investigation by the ED is ongoing as they continue to trace additional financial trails and identify further beneficiaries of the scam.
