What is the Jharkhand liquor scam that led to the arrest of seven individuals from Maharashtra and Gujarat?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested seven individuals from Maharashtra and Gujarat for alleged involvement in financial irregularities concerning liquor contracts. As investigations unfold, the ACB warns that more arrests could follow, shedding light on a vast corruption network threatening state finances.
Key Takeaways
- Seven individuals arrested in connection with Jharkhand liquor scam.
- Warrants obtained by ACB after discovering financial irregularities.
- Estimated loss to state exchequer at Rs 129.55 crore.
- Ongoing investigations may lead to more arrests.
- Prominent figures have previously been arrested in this case.
Ranchi, Oct 14 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jharkhand has apprehended seven suspects from Maharashtra and Gujarat in connection with significant financial misconduct related to government liquor contracts, officials reported on Tuesday.
As per ACB officials, the arrests occurred during synchronized operations across both states.
The detainees are being transported to Ranchi on a transit remand and will be presented before the ACB’s special court.
The individuals arrested include Vipin Jadavbhai Parmar, Mahesh Shedge, Paresh Abhesingh Thakor, and Vikram Singh Thakor from Gujarat.
Additionally, the ACB has taken into custody Jagan Tukaram Desai, Kamal Jagan Desai, and Sheetal Jagan Desai from Maharashtra.
The ACB secured arrest warrants for these seven individuals in June following the discovery of substantial irregularities during its investigation.
Findings indicate that seven placement and service firms were awarded contracts by the Jharkhand government to manage liquor outlets and supply manpower to the Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL).
However, these companies purportedly breached tender conditions and submitted fraudulent bank guarantees as part of their contractual commitments.
An internal audit by JSBCL unveiled that the deceptive practices of these companies inflicted a loss of Rs 129.55 crore on the state's exchequer. The total estimated value of the scam is believed to exceed Rs 150 crore.
The seven recently arrested individuals are thought to be part of a larger network already under investigation.
The ACB had previously detained several prominent figures related to this case, including senior IAS officer Vinay Kumar Chaubey, retired IAS officer Amit Prakash, Jharkhand Administrative Service officer Gajendra Singh, businessman Siddharth Singhania from Chhattisgarh, and Vidhu Gupta, director of Prism Holography Company.
However, all accused were subsequently granted bail due to the agency's failure to file a charge sheet within the required timeframe.
An ACB official mentioned that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated in the near future.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation into the Jharkhand liquor scam highlights significant corruption issues that undermine public trust in government operations. The swift actions of the ACB demonstrate a commitment to accountability, yet the challenges of timely legal proceedings raise concerns about the effectiveness of our justice system. Nation stands firmly for integrity and transparency in governance.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals are charged with participating in significant financial irregularities related to government liquor contracts, including the submission of forged bank guarantees and violations of tender conditions.
What is the estimated value of the liquor scam?
The total estimated value of the liquor scam is believed to exceed Rs 150 crore, with specific losses to the state exchequer reported at Rs 129.55 crore.
What actions has the ACB taken previously regarding this case?
The ACB had previously arrested several high-profile figures, including senior IAS officers and businessmen, as part of its investigation into the liquor scam.
What further actions are expected from the ACB?
The ACB has indicated that its investigation is ongoing, and more arrests may occur as they continue to uncover details related to the wider network involved in the scam.
How can the public stay informed about this case?
The public can stay informed by following news updates from reputable sources and monitoring announcements from the Anti-Corruption Bureau regarding the progress of the investigation.
