Jharkhand Excise Fraud Exposure: Enforcement Directorate takes action

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted sweeping raids at multiple locations linked to IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey, state officials and liquor traders in connection with an alleged excise scam in Jharkhand. This comes amid the ongoing parliamentary elections in the region.

Raids were conducted at 15 locations in Ranchi and Raipur following a criminal case initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED is investigating allegations of a conspiracy involving government officials and a syndicate to change excise policy, raising allegations of financial losses to the government.

Details of the criminal complaint allege that officials allegedly conspired to benefit liquor syndicates through policy changes and fraudulent procurement practices. The investigation focuses on the unlawful award of liquor supply contracts, involving several high-profile individuals.

(With input from agencies.)