Is IAS Officer Vinay Chaubey Involved in the Jharkhand Liquor Scam?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The interrogation of IAS officer Vinay Chaubey by the Jharkhand ACB has raised significant questions about corruption in the state's liquor policy. Allegations suggest a deep connection to a larger scheme originating from Chhattisgarh. What implications might this have for governance in Jharkhand?
Key Takeaways
- Vinay Chaubey is under investigation for his role in the alleged Jharkhand liquor scam.
- The excise policy in question is tied to a controversial policy from Chhattisgarh.
- Multiple agencies, including the ACB and ED, are involved in the investigation.
- There are claims of a coordinated effort to misappropriate public funds.
- Chaubey denies any wrongdoing, stating the policy was government-approved.
Ranchi, May 20 (NationPress) – On Tuesday, the Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) interrogated Vinay Kumar Chaubey, a senior IAS officer and former Excise Secretary, regarding the alleged liquor scam unfolding in the state.
This investigation follows the agency's registration of a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) into potential irregularities associated with the excise policy enacted during Chaubey's administration.
An ACB team visited Chaubey’s residence in Ranchi earlier today, where they took him to their office for questioning.
Reports indicate that this inquiry is linked to Jharkhand’s excise policy, which was reportedly based on the contentious Chhattisgarh liquor policy, currently under scrutiny for widespread corruption.
The Jharkhand scam is thought to be a derivative of the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, where numerous senior officials from the State Marketing Corporation and powerful business figures are allegedly part of a coordinated effort to misappropriate public funds.
On the same day, the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW), in conjunction with the ACB in Chhattisgarh, conducted raids targeting individuals connected to this illicit network.
Previously, the ED in Chhattisgarh, which is also investigating the scam, uncovered that the same liquor syndicate had extended its activities into Jharkhand, manipulating the development and execution of the state’s excise policy.
In light of these findings, the Chhattisgarh unit of the ED had previously questioned Chaubey due to his position as the then Excise Secretary when the new policy was implemented. Chaubey has denied any allegations of misconduct, asserting that the policy received state government approval.
Subsequently, a complaint was lodged with the Chhattisgarh EOW by a resident of Jharkhand, claiming that the same liquor syndicate facilitated a comparable scam in collaboration with bureaucrats in Jharkhand.
In response to this complaint, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and, in October 2024, executed searches at various locations associated with Chaubey and others.
Following these developments, the ACB in Jharkhand secured permission from the state government to initiate its investigation.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the gravity of these allegations against Vinay Chaubey. The intertwining of bureaucratic actions with financial misconduct poses a significant threat to public trust. The ongoing investigations by both the ACB and the ED highlight the necessity for accountability and transparency in governance.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jharkhand liquor scam?
The Jharkhand liquor scam involves allegations of corruption linked to the state's excise policy, which is believed to have ties to a similar scheme in Chhattisgarh.
Why is Vinay Chaubey being interrogated?
Vinay Chaubey is being interrogated due to his role as the former Excise Secretary during the implementation of the controversial excise policy.
What is the role of the ACB in this investigation?
The ACB is conducting the investigation to uncover potential irregularities in the excise policy and to hold accountable those involved in the liquor scam.
How does the Chhattisgarh liquor policy relate to Jharkhand?
The Jharkhand excise policy is reportedly modeled after the Chhattisgarh liquor policy, which is currently under scrutiny for corruption.
What actions were taken by the ED in this case?
The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report and conducted searches related to the liquor scam, focusing on its expansion into Jharkhand.
