Raipur
In connection with an alleged liquor scam amounting to approximately Rs 6000 crores, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have embarked on extensive raids across various locations in Chhattisgarh. Beginning Thursday morning, a coordinated effort by law enforcement officers saw simultaneous raids at the properties of individuals suspected of involvement in the scam, marking the initiation of a thorough investigation.
These operations span across 20 to 22 locations, encompassing key cities such as Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, and Bilaspur. It’s worth noting that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a case with ACB-EOW, prompting these joint raids.
Among the targets of Thursday’s raids were the residences of two close associates of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, namely Pappu Bansal and Vijay Bhatia. Bansal, residing in New Khursipar, and Bhatia, whose bungalow is located in Nehru Nagar East, had their premises under ongoing scrutiny.
Reports suggest that information regarding the ACB’s raid may have leaked beforehand. Pappu Bansal, who was reportedly in Bhilai until 9 PM the previous night, was found to be missing when the ACB team arrived for the raid. Meanwhile, Vijay Bhatia remained present at his residence during the operation.
In addition to targeting individuals directly involved in the liquor business, the ACB and EOW are also focusing on their chartered accountants. This includes ongoing operations at the offices and residences of individuals such as CA Sanjay Mishra of AFL 10 A Company and others.
The recent raids follow similar actions taken by ACB-EOW two months ago at Bhatiya Distillery in Saragaon, Bilaspur, and Welcome Distillery in Kota. Investigations were also conducted at Kedia Distillery in Kumhari, Durg, as well as at the residences of Anwar Dhebar and former Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand in Raipur, among other retired IAS officials.
It is anticipated that further measures will be taken based on the intelligence gathered from these recent raids.
Both Pappu Bansal and Vijay Bhatia are prominent figures in the liquor industry, with their names linked to the ongoing scandal. During the Congress government’s tenure, the ED had conducted raids at their premises, yet neither of them faced arrest despite investigations being carried out.
