ACB and EOW Conduct Raids, Seize Documents and Electronic Evidence in Chhattisgarh Liquor & DMF Scandals

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) carried out raids at 19 locations on Sunday as part of investigations into the high-profile liquor scam and District Mineral Foundation (DMF) irregularities. Authorities confirmed that critical documents and electronic evidence were seized during the operations.

Full Story:

The ACB and EOW focused on alleged scams that occurred during the previous Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh. In the liquor scam, raids were conducted at eight locations, including four in Bilaspur, two in Raipur, and one each in Durg and Bastar districts. These premises were linked to relatives of retired IAS officers Anil Tuteja and Niranjan Das, who were previously arrested in connection with the alleged liquor irregularities.

Regarding the DMF scam, officials said raids were conducted at 11 locations—four in Raipur, two each in Bilaspur and Sarguja, and one each in Kondagaon, Balrampur, and Dhamtari. The premises are associated with contractor Harpal Singh Arora and other linked individuals. Multiple crucial documents and electronic evidence were recovered during these operations.

Background of the Scams:

Officials explained that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the money-laundering aspects of both alleged scams, while the state ACB and EOW are probing corruption and criminal links. The alleged liquor scam involved more than ₹2,500 crore between 2019 and 2022. Meanwhile, alleged DMF irregularities occurred between 2021 and 2023. Chhattisgarh was governed by the Congress party under Bhupesh Baghel from 2018 to 2023.

Arrests Made:

Those arrested in connection with the liquor case include Chaitanya Baghel (son of Bhupesh Baghel), Congress MLA Kavasi Lakhma, businessman Anwar Dhebar, retired IAS officers Anil Tuteja and Niranjan Das, and ITS officer Arunpati Tripathi.

Authorities stated that the investigations are ongoing, and further developments are expected as the agencies continue to examine the recovered evidence.