Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Intensifies: EOW Takes Custody of Key Jharkhand Businessmen

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Chhattisgarh's alleged multi-crore liquor scam, the state's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has taken custody of two prominent businessmen from Jharkhand: Anwar Dhebar and Arvind Singh. The duo was transferred from Ranchi to Raipur on Monday, following a production warrant issued by a special court in the state capital, signaling a renewed intensity in the probe.

The alleged liquor scam has been a subject of extensive scrutiny, previously investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

This intricate network of corruption involved the illegal sale of liquor, collection of illicit money, and a substantial loss to the state exchequer. The ED had, in its earlier investigations, claimed that an illegal liquor syndicate operated in Chhattisgarh, generating immense profits through illicit means, which were then allegedly siphoned off.

Anwar Dhebar, who is reportedly a relative of a former mayor of Raipur, and Arvind Singh are believed to be key players in this illicit operation.

Their alleged involvement centers around facilitating the illegal sales of liquor and managing the financial aspects of the scam. The EOW's move to take them into custody underscores the agency's determination to uncover the full extent of the syndicate and bring all involved parties to justice.

The transfer of Dhebar and Singh occurred after the EOW successfully obtained a production warrant from a special court in Raipur.

This legal maneuver allowed the state agency to assume jurisdiction over the businessmen, who had previously been under the scanner of the ED. They are now being brought to Raipur for detailed interrogation, which is expected to shed more light on the intricate workings of the scam, including the identification of other potential beneficiaries and facilitators.

The Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the matter had commenced in 2023, leading to a series of high-profile raids across Chhattisgarh.

These operations resulted in the arrest of several individuals, including IAS officers, businessmen, and politicians. The ED had also filed multiple prosecution complaints (chargesheets) in connection with the case, detailing the modus operandi of the syndicate and the vast sums of money allegedly involved.

With the EOW now taking the lead in this aspect of the investigation, there is anticipation of new revelations and a deeper dive into the financial trails and political connections of the alleged syndicate.

The arrests of Anwar Dhebar and Arvind Singh are seen as crucial steps in piecing together the complex puzzle of the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, potentially leading to further arrests and the recovery of illicit gains. The coming days are expected to bring more clarity as the EOW continues its rigorous interrogation in Raipur.