Raipur
Retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja could play a pivotal role as a government witness in the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities linked to the liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) stated this in an official statement released on Monday, following Tuteja’s arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Should Tuteja become a witness, it may pose challenges for former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Similarly, concerns have arisen regarding former Chief Secretary and retired IAS officer Vivek Dhand. On Sunday, ED officials scrutinized documents related to Dhand, prompted by claims from two accused individuals in the liquor scam mentioning Dhand’s involvement.
In response to mounting pressure, retired IAS officer Vivek Dhand has reportedly adopted a cautious approach. There are speculations that to evade potential arrest, Dhand may consider leaving Chhattisgarh or even the country.
Anil Tuteja, currently in remand, served as an IAS officer until his retirement in 2023. Initially part of the state service, Tuteja was later promoted to IAS during the Raman government’s tenure. He held the position of Joint Secretary in the Department of Industry and Commerce in the state.
The alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh centers around corruption within the liquor industry, implicating officials and influential figures. According to the ED, irregularities surfaced between 2019 and 2022 when officials from the state-managed liquor retailer CSMCL allegedly accepted bribes from distilleries. Last July, the investigative agency filed a charge sheet in the case, alleging corruption amounting to Rs. 2,161 crore since the scam’s inception in 2019.
