Trouble Deepens for Suspended IAS Vinay Chaubey in Jharkhand DA Scam

Ranchi: The legal troubles of suspended IAS officer Vinay Chaubey are mounting as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) continues its investigation into his alleged disproportionate assets (DA) case. On Sunday, the ACB questioned Chaubey’s wife, Swapna Sanchita, for the second time at their residence on Kanke Road, in the presence of senior ACB officials including the DIG and SP.

The questioning focused on nearly ₹1.5 crore transactions between the accounts of Vinay Singh, owner of Nexgen Automobiles and accused in liquor and land scams, and Swapna Sanchita’s personal bank account between 2020 and 2023. Sources report that she provided evasive answers to most questions. She was previously interrogated by the ACB at her residence on December 3, 2025.

Corruption and Illicit Wealth Allegations

The ACB filed a fresh FIR against Vinay Chaubey on November 24, 2025, naming seven individuals, including relatives and associates, in connection with allegations of corruption and acquisition of unlawful assets. The accused include:

• Vinay Chaubey (suspended IAS officer)
• Swapna Sanchita (wife of Vinay Chaubey)
• Vinay Singh (friend)
• Sanchita Singh (wife of Vinay Singh)
• Shipij Trivedi (Chaubey’s brother-in-law)
• Priyanka Trivedi (wife of Shipij Trivedi)
• S.N. Trivedi (Chaubey’s father-in-law)

The FIR highlights crooked financial dealings, fake transactions, and illicit wealth accumulation through family members and employees. Both Vinay Chaubey and Vinay Singh are currently in jail in connection with liquor and land scam cases.

ACB Intensifies Hunt for Key Witness

The ACB is actively searching for Snigdha Singh, wife of Vinay Singh, considered a critical link in the investigation. She is believed to be hiding at her potential residences in Nayasarai, Lakhisarai district, Bihar. Despite repeated notices for questioning in connection with liquor and forest land scams, she has yet to appear before the authorities.

The forest land scam is linked to Vinay Kumar Chaubey’s tenure as Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner, during which land records were allegedly registered under Snigdha Singh’s name. The ACB has already arrested Vinay Kumar Singh, Vinay Chaubey, and other key accused in this case.