Ranchi – In a significant development in the Jharkhand liquor scam, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended seven accused from Maharashtra and Gujarat for allegedly engaging in large-scale financial fraud related to government liquor contracts.
The arrests were made during coordinated operations across both states. The accused are being transported to Ranchi on transit remand and will be produced before the special court of the ACB.
From Gujarat, those arrested include Vipin Jadavbhai Parmar, Mahesh Shedge, Paresh Abhesingh Thakor, and Vikram Singh Thakor. Maharashtra-based accused include Jagan Tukaram Desai, Kamal Jagan Desai, and Sheetal Jagan Desai.
The ACB had issued warrants for their arrest in June following the discovery of major irregularities. Investigators found that seven companies awarded contracts by the Jharkhand government to run liquor outlets and supply manpower to JSBCL had allegedly violated tender conditions and submitted fake bank guarantees.
Internal audits by JSBCL indicated that these fraudulent activities caused a financial loss of Rs 129.55 crore to the state, with the total scam value estimated to exceed Rs 150 crore.
Authorities say the new arrests could reveal more about a larger network. Previously, high-profile arrests included senior IAS officers and other prominent individuals, who were later granted bail.
The probe is ongoing, and more arrests are anticipated in the coming days.
With inputs from IANS