Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: ACB Cracks Down, 16 Vehicles Seized; Illegal Supply from Distilleries Exposed

Raipur. The State Economic Offences Investigation Bureau (ACB) has taken major action in the ongoing liquor scam investigation, seizing 16 vehicles involved in the illegal transport of liquor.

According to officials, the seizures were made from Welcome Distillery (Kota, Bilaspur) and Bhatia Wines Distillery (Sargaon, Mungeli), with 8 vehicles confiscated from each location. The probe revealed that these vehicles were used to transport ‘Part-B’ (unaccounted liquor) directly to government-run country liquor shops.

The ACB confirmed through digital and physical evidence that distillery operators used vehicles registered under their companies, employees, and trusted associates to carry out the illegal operations. The vehicles were identified based on repeated usage patterns, witness statements, and technical data collected during the investigation.

The case has been registered under Crime Number 04/2024, invoking sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended 2018), along with IPC sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B.

Meanwhile, a separate probe is underway into the use of private vehicles at Kedia Distillery. Officials stated that efforts are ongoing to determine the ownership and involvement of those vehicles. Further legal action and investigation in the case are in progress.