...
...
Next Story

ED makes third arrest in alleged ₹2,000 crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam

The agency had claimed that it has unearthed corruption and money laundering of multi-crore by a syndicate comprising high-level state government officials, private persons and political executives of the state government who controlled and manipulated the entire chain of the liquor trade in the state

Updated on: May 11, 2023, 18:18:44 IST
By Ritesh Mishra
Prefer HTon Google
Advertisement

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested one Pappu alias Trilok Bhatia, a Bhilai-based liquor businessman, in connection with the alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh, officials said on Thursday.

(Representative Photo)
(Representative Photo)

The ED produced Bhatia in a special court in Raipur which sent him four-day remand. On Wednesday, the ED arrested Nitesh Purohit, promoter of Giriraj Hotel located in Raipur and produced him before the court.

The agency had told the court on Wednesday that Purohit was “aware of the illegal operations of Anwar Dhebar and willingly assisted him in the movement of proceeds of crime to Anil Tuteja (an IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre)” and another person.

The economic intelligence agency has also claimed that Tuteja, who is joint secretary in the department of industry and commerce, was the kingpin of this illegal syndicate along with Anwar Dhebar.

Also Read: ED trying to implicate me in alleged liquor scam: Chhattisgarh CM Baghel

The ED had on May 6 arrested Anwar Dhebar, a liquor trader and an accused in the case, who also happens to be the elder brother of Raipur mayor and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebar.

The agency had claimed that it has unearthed corruption and money laundering of multi-crore by a syndicate comprising high-level state government officials, private persons and political executives of the state government who controlled and manipulated the entire chain of the liquor trade in the state.

The agency in a statement on Sunday said that it has “collected evidence of unprecedented corruption and money laundering to the tune of ₹2,000 crore between 2019 and 2022”.

According to the ED, the illegal, off–the–book sale of country-made liquor amounted to an estimated 40% of the total sale of liquor in the state.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra

Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.

Home/Cities/Others
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe