Raipur – The State Economic Offences Investigation Bureau (EOW) has seized three vehicles used for the illegal transportation of ‘Part-B‘ liquor from Chhattisgarh Distilleries Private Limited in Kumhari, Durg.
Digital and physical evidence collected during the probe established that these vehicles were used to transport unaccounted liquor directly from the distillery to selected government-run country liquor shops. Investigations revealed that the distillery owners engaged trusted associates for this operation, who in turn utilised vehicles from smaller transporters.
This action is part of the ongoing investigation into the liquor scam, registered as Crime No. 04/2024. The case involves charges under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), and Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.
Earlier, the Bureau had seized 16 vehicles from Welcome Distillery in Kota (Bilaspur district) and Bhatia Wines Distillery in Sargaon (Mungeli district). The EOW found that a specific set of vehicles was repeatedly used to ferry illegal stocks to government outlets. Based on witness statements and evidence, the Bureau has identified these vehicles distillery-wise.
Inquiries into Chhattisgarh Distilleries in Durg suggest that apart from the three seized vehicles, other transport units were also involved. Some of these have reportedly been scrapped or diverted for other uses. The Bureau is conducting a separate probe to track their ownership and usage. Further investigation and legal proceedings in the case are underway.
