: Sunday, May 03, 2026 4:24 PM
Raipur. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified investigation into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam and seized cash and valuables worth about Rs 5.39 crore while conducting simultaneous search operations at multiple locations in the state. Officials gave this information. According to the official statement, ED’s Raipur zonal office conducted a search operation on April 30 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at 13 premises located in Raipur, Durg/Bhilai and Bilaspur districts. The search operation targeted liquor traders, chartered accountants, businessmen and corporate entities suspected to be involved in handling or concealing the proceeds of crime related to the scam.
During the raid, officials recovered Rs 53 lakh in cash and about 3.234 kg of gold jewelery and bricks, worth approximately Rs 4.86 crore. Apart from this, several incriminating documents and digital devices have been seized, which are under investigation.
ED is investigating the case on the basis of FIR lodged by the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Raipur. The investigation so far has indicated a well-planned criminal conspiracy in collusion with senior bureaucrats, liquor producers, FL-10A license holders and their associates.
The alleged scam pertains to collection of illegal commission in purchase, licensing and sale of liquor in Chhattisgarh between 2019 and 2022.
As per the charge sheets of EOW/ACB, the total amount of crime earned through this scam is estimated to be around Rs 2,883 crore.
The ED has so far arrested nine people under Section 19 of the PMLA, including a retired IAS officer, the then managing director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), the then excise commissioner, the then excise minister, the then chief minister’s son and a deputy secretary to the chief minister, among others.
The investigation has covered multiple aspects including the role of liquor makers, cash handlers, hawala operators, license holders and political middlemen.
Officials said six interim attachment orders (PAOs) have been issued so far under the PMLA, resulting in attachment of movable and immovable properties worth about Rs 380 crore. These include residential and commercial properties, bank accounts, vehicles, jewelery and shares belonging to the accused and their alleged benami entities. Many of these attachments have been confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority based in New Delhi.
The ED has also filed six chargesheets against 81 accused and entities in the special court for PMLA cases in Raipur. These cases are currently pending in various judicial forums including the special court, Chhattisgarh High Court and the Supreme Court.
Officials said the latest search turned up additional evidence, and additional action will be taken based on these findings, including gathering more documents and filing charges. Further investigation is ongoing in the matter.
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Web Title-ED Seizes ₹5.39 Crore in New Raids Linked to Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
