Excise Scam Shockwave: Raids on Top IAS Officers and Liquor Magnates

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, implicating IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey and others in a money laundering probe related to a 2022 excise policy scam. The investigation reveals alleged illegal benefits to liquor syndicates, sparking significant controversy during Jharkhand’s assembly election campaign.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed raids across Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, targeting premises linked to IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey and multiple government officials amid a money laundering probe connected to an alleged excise scam.

Search operations covered 15 locations in Ranchi and Raipur following a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by the Jharkhand office of the ED. Security was provided by the Central Reserve Police Force.

The investigation stems from a September 7 FIR lodged by Chhattisgarh police’s anti-corruption bureau, accusing Choubey, retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, and others of malpractice related to crafting illicitly beneficial liquor policies. The ED is intensifying scrutiny as Jharkhand enters the final stages of its assembly election campaign.

(With inputs from agencies.)