ED Arrests IAS Officer Niranjan Das in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Case.

Heading:

The ED initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the ACB/EOW, Raipur, Chhattisgarh under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Background of the Case

The police investigation revealed that the Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam resulted in a massive loss to the State Exchequer and generated Proceeds of Crime exceeding ₹2,500 crore, enriching several beneficiaries through scheduled offences.

Findings of the ED Investigation:

The ED investigation revealed that Niranjan Das received Proceeds of Crime amounting to approximately ₹18 crore. Evidence in the form of digital records, seized documents, and written statements established that he was an active accomplice of the liquor syndicate.

It was further established that Niranjan Das, an IAS officer, was given additional charge as Excise Commissioner and Secretary, Excise Department, solely to facilitate the operations of the liquor syndicate. He allegedly forsook his statutory duties, enabled the systematic loot of government revenue, and allowed the syndicate to function without checks in return for a monthly illegal gratification of ₹50 lakh.

The investigation also revealed that he directed field officers to increase the sale of unaccounted and illicit liquor in their respective jurisdictions. His role was found to be central to the commission of the predicate offences, laundering of Proceeds of Crime, and large-scale loss of state resources.

Other Arrests in the Case

Apart from Niranjan Das, the ED has also arrested the following persons in the same matter:

1. Anil Tuteja (Ex-IAS)
2. Arvind Singh
3. Trilok Singh Dhillon
4. Anwar Dhebar
5. Arun Pati Tripathi (ITS)
6. Kawasi Lakhma (MLA and former Excise Minister of Chhattisgarh)
7. Chaitanya Baghel (son of former Chief Minister)
8. Mrs. Soumya Chaurasia

Status of Investigation:

Further investigation in the matter is under progress.