Is the Hemant government employing ACB to protect the true culprits in the liquor scam?

Synopsis
In a bold statement, Babulal Marandi accuses the Hemant Soren government of using the Anti-Corruption Bureau to shield major players involved in the liquor scam. With calls for a CBI inquiry echoing, the situation raises questions about the true intentions behind the government's actions in Jharkhand.
Key Takeaways
- Babulal Marandi accuses the government of protecting criminals.
- The Anti-Corruption Bureau has been called into question for its actions.
- Marandi demands a CBI investigation into the liquor scam.
- Timeliness of ACB's actions raises serious doubts.
- A letter from Marandi to CM reveals earlier warnings about the scam.
Ranchi, May 21 (NationPress) - The Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly and BJP state President Babulal Marandi accused the Hemant Soren government on Wednesday of utilizing the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to shield the genuine offenders involved in the extensive liquor scam.
During a press briefing at the BJP’s state office, Marandi characterized the ACB’s recent detentions in the investigation as a “government-sponsored probe” designed to divert attention from the more significant players implicated in the scandal.
He raised concerns regarding the ACB's rapid response, emphasizing that IAS officer Vinay Chaubey and Joint Excise Commissioner Gajendra Singh were interrogated and incarcerated on the very day, May 20, that the FIR was filed.
“This kind of prompt action raises substantial questions. It seems like a fabricated effort hastily executed to protect the real architects behind this operation from being unveiled,” he stated.
Marandi shared a letter he had sent to Chief Minister Hemant Soren in 2022, expressing his worries about a potential liquor scam unfolding in the state.
“I had alerted about these discrepancies three years ago. The Chief Minister dismissed those alarms. Had he taken appropriate measures at that time, this plunder could have been averted. Now, by leveraging the ACB, he aims to create an impression that the government is confronting corruption head-on,” he added.
He called for a CBI investigation similar to what occurred in Chhattisgarh, urging Chief Minister Soren to voluntarily transfer the inquiry to the central agency.
“There is a discernible pattern. The ED is already probing the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, which has now been turned over to the CBI there. In Jharkhand, the ACB has suddenly become active. This raises suspicions that the Chief Minister himself is attempting to obscure his involvement in this scandal,” Marandi claimed.
He further asserted that the timing of Chaubey’s arrest was orchestrated to prevent him from disclosing information to the ED or CBI.
“It’s well known that central agencies are diligently pursuing this case. However, in Jharkhand, counterfeit documents were utilized, misleading even the courts. Despite media coverage revealing these irregularities, no actions were taken against those accountable. The Excise Department did not even file a case,” he remarked.
Marandi reiterated that only a CBI inquiry could unveil the complete truth and ensure accountability for all involved, including high-ranking officials and political figures.