Did Chhattisgarh EOW Submit a Charge Sheet in a Multi-Crore Liquor Scam?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, the Economic Offences Wing in Chhattisgarh has submitted a comprehensive charge sheet in a multi-crore liquor scam, implicating over 29 excise officers. This ongoing investigation uncovers a vast corruption network, raising questions about accountability and the extent of political involvement. Will justice be served?
Key Takeaways
- The EOW has filed a detailed charge sheet in the liquor scam.
- Over 29 excise officers are implicated in the investigation.
- Charges include the illegal sale of liquor with counterfeit holograms.
- The scam reportedly generated illicit revenue of around Rs 2,174.60 crore.
- The investigation continues with potential for further arrests.
Raipur, July 7 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events regarding the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed an extensive charge sheet before the special court, implicating over 29 officers from the excise department, according to sources.
The charge sheet spans more than 5,000 pages and is divided into 29 files, detailing the involvement of each officer in what investigators describe as a carefully orchestrated corruption network that functioned from 2019 to 2023.
The EOW asserts that the scam involved the illicit distribution of liquor with counterfeit holograms, which was directly funneled from distilleries to retail outlets “under the oversight of district excise officials.”
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, no officers mentioned in the charge sheet have yet been arrested. Many continue to hold their positions within the department, while a few have since retired, sources indicate.
Initial investigations revealed that the corruption started in February 2019, with 200 trucks transporting 800 crates of liquor each on a monthly basis from distilleries.
Initially, each crate was priced at Rs 2,840. As operations grew, the monthly shipments increased to 400 trucks, and crate prices escalated to Rs 3,880. Over three years, more than 60 lakh crates of liquor were purportedly sold unlawfully, resulting in illicit earnings of around Rs 2,174.60 crore.
The EOW’s inquiry suggests that district excise officials amassed Rs 319 crore from liquor suppliers during this timeframe, with Rs 280 crore collected between April 2019 and June 2022 alone. This money was allegedly directed to a syndicate operating “with the backing of political leaders from the prior government.”
This scam has already led to the arrest of former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma and unveiled a clandestine cash-based system within the department.
Investigators have indicated that the proceeds were utilized for personal gain and political financing, with some funds reportedly diverted to party infrastructure and private construction projects.
The court is anticipated to summon the implicated officers in the upcoming days.
Meanwhile, the EOW has hinted at more arrests and additional charge sheets as the investigation into one of the state's most extensive corruption scandals continues.
Point of View
It's crucial to uphold a neutral stance in reporting such significant events. The EOW's findings raise serious concerns about systemic corruption within Chhattisgarh's excise department. While the implicated officials remain in their positions—some even retired—it underscores the need for accountability in governance. This investigation is vital in restoring public trust.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the multi-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh?
The multi-crore liquor scam involves allegations of corruption within the excise department in Chhattisgarh, where officials are accused of facilitating the illegal sale of liquor with counterfeit holograms.
How many excise officers are named in the charge sheet?
The charge sheet names over 29 excise department officers as accused in the scam.
What actions have been taken against the accused officers?
Despite the charge sheet being filed, no arrests have been made yet, and many of the officers continue to serve in their positions.
What is the estimated revenue generated from the scam?
The illicit liquor sales are estimated to have generated approximately Rs 2,174.60 crore over three years.
What does the investigation reveal about political involvement?
The investigation suggests that the corruption was allegedly protected by political leaders from the previous government, funneling funds into a syndicate.
