₹2,800-Crore Liquor Scam: ED Intensifies Probe, Conducts Fresh Raids in Chhattisgarh

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday said it has seized cash worth ₹53 lakh and gold jewellery and bullion valued at more than ₹4.86 crore during fresh searches linked to the alleged ₹2,800-crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam .

The searches were conducted on April 30 at multiple premises linked to liquor traders, chartered accountants, businessmen, and corporate entities in Raipur, Durg, Bhilai, and Bilaspur. According to the agency, these individuals and firms are suspected of having received, layered, or concealed proceeds of crime generated from the alleged irregularities in the state excise system.

Along with cash and gold, investigators also recovered incriminating documents and digital devices . The ED said it has earlier conducted several rounds of searches in the case and has so far attached assets worth around ₹380 crore .

The alleged scam pertains to irregularities between 2019 and 2022 during the tenure of the then Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh. The agency has alleged that a “criminal syndicate” involving senior bureaucrats and political figures effectively controlled the excise department, leading to a massive loss to the state exchequer. The total proceeds of crime have been estimated at ₹2,883 crore .

Among the prominent individuals named in the case are Chaitanya Baghel , son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel , former excise commissioner and IAS officer Niranjan Das , retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja , former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma , and former deputy secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office Saumya Chaurasia .

The ED has filed six charge sheets so far naming 81 accused , while several of them have approached various courts, including the Supreme Court, challenging the agency’s proceedings. Investigations are continuing.