Ranchi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is preparing to intensify its investigation into the Jharkhand connection of the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam, with several officials and blacklisted companies expected to come under scrutiny.
According to sources, individuals named in the ED’s sixth supplementary chargesheet in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam have significant links to Jharkhand. Many of the officials and liquor traders from Chhattisgarh who allegedly played a key role in implementing the Chhattisgarh-style excise policy in Jharkhand during the tenure of former Excise and Prohibition Department Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar Choubey have already been chargesheeted in Chhattisgarh.
The ED is now expected to examine their activities in Jharkhand as well. The agency has already registered two separate Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) related to the liquor scam in the state. One ECIR is based on an FIR lodged by the Economic Offences Wing in Raipur, while the second stems from a liquor scam case registered by the Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on May 20, 2025.
Investigators allege that hefty commissions were paid to facilitate the entry of those accused in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam into Jharkhand’s liquor trade. From manpower placement agencies to liquor supply companies, several firms linked to the Chhattisgarh network were reportedly awarded contracts in Jharkhand. Many of these companies were later blacklisted after allegations of financial irregularities worth crores of rupees surfaced.
Despite this, more than Rs 450 crore remains recoverable by the Jharkhand government from some of these accused companies, and efforts are reportedly underway to recover the dues.
ED Collecting Evidence, Investigation Continues
The Jharkhand unit of the ED has already conducted searches at locations linked to suspended IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey and other accused individuals after examining possible money laundering angles in both ECIRs. Choubey has also been questioned in connection with the case registered in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The agency has additionally interrogated, under remand, the operators of placement agencies accused of securing manpower supply contracts for retail liquor outlets using allegedly forged bank guarantees during Choubey’s tenure.
Officials say the ED is continuing to gather documentary evidence and witness statements to build a strong case before filing a chargesheet in the special ED court.
Companies Chargesheeted in Chhattisgarh Received Payments in Jharkhand
The ED recently chargesheeted two Chhattisgarh-based firms — Dishita Ventures Private Limited and Om Sai Beverages Private Limited — and attached their movable and immovable assets.
According to reports, these firms also received payments from Jharkhand authorities. Former Excise Commissioner Amit Prakash, who has since retired, allegedly approved payments amounting to Rs 11 crore to the two companies shortly before his retirement. The payments were reportedly made soon after the swearing-in of Excise Minister Yogendra Prasad and allegedly without informing him.
Both companies had supplied wholesale liquor in Jharkhand during 2022 and received payment in November 2024.
The payments were made despite nearly Rs 450 crore being outstanding against four placement agencies linked to the alleged Chhattisgarh syndicate that had already been blacklisted in Jharkhand. These agencies include A2Z Infra Services Limited, Eagle Hunter Solutions Limited, Prime One Workforce Private Limited and Sumit Facilities.
The dispute over recovery of these dues is currently pending before the Supreme Court of India.
The allegations mentioned above are part of ongoing investigations, and the matters remain subject to judicial and investigative proceedings.