Jharkhand News: IAS Vinay Choubey Among Several Officials Raided in Connection to Jharkhand Liquor Scam

Ranchi, October 28, 2024: In a significant development related to the Jharkhand liquor scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids early Tuesday at multiple locations connected to senior IAS officer Vinay Choubey, Excise Department Joint Secretary Gajendra Singh, and several close associates. These raids are part of a comprehensive investigation as Jharkhand heads toward assembly elections, with the ED aiming to uncover financial irregularities tied to this high-profile multi-crore scam.

ED’s Election-Season Raids Target Jharkhand Officials

As elections approach, ED officials intensified efforts to probe corruption within Jharkhand’s excise sector. Sources reveal that the targeted raids involved IAS officer Vinay Choubey, formerly a senior official in the Excise Department, along with other individuals linked to state excise administration. While specific locations remain undisclosed, reports indicate that both residences and offices were part of the ED’s sweeping operation.

This development has attracted widespread attention, with many questioning the timing and motives, given the ongoing election season.

FIR by Chhattisgarh Police Triggers Widespread Investigation

The investigation was initially prompted by an FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Chhattisgarh Police, which launched an inquiry into suspected excise policy manipulation within Jharkhand. The complaint, lodged by Ranchi resident Vikas Kumar, detailed a conspiracy allegedly orchestrated in Raipur to alter excise laws in favor of select entities within the liquor industry.

The FIR implicates both Vinay Choubey and Gajendra Singh, charging them with alleged financial misconduct and policy manipulation. According to sources, systematic changes to excise policies created financial avenues, reportedly enabling fund misappropriation within the state.

Context of Jharkhand Liquor Scam: Previous Raids and Key Arrests

This investigation marks only the latest chapter in ongoing efforts to address alleged corruption within Jharkhand’s liquor sector. On August 23, 2023, the ED carried out an extensive raid across 32 locations, including Ranchi, Deoghar, Dumka and Kolkata. Targets included residences linked to prominent figures, such as Jharkhand Finance Minister Rameshwar Oraon, his son Rohit Oraon and well-known liquor industry player Yogendra Tiwari.

The August raids led to Tiwari’s arrest, with ED investigators alleging he reinvested profits from illicit sand and land trades into his liquor enterprises. The ED reportedly uncovered a vast financial network, suggesting diverted profits from various sectors were supporting Jharkhand’s liquor trade.

ED’s Broader Strategy and Preventive Measures

These latest raids underscore the ED’s commitment to combating corruption within state departments. Working in tandem with Chhattisgarh’s EOW, the ED aims to dismantle an alleged nexus of officials, intermediaries and industry stakeholders reportedly involved in the Jharkhand liquor scam.

As investigations unfold, the ED’s vigilance in curbing financial malpractice within the excise sector has attracted heightened public and political attention, with additional details likely to emerge as officials dig deeper into the scope of the alleged misconduct.