Unveiling the Jharkhand Excise Scam: Enforcement Directorate Cracks Down

The Enforcement Directorate raided locations linked to IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey and others over an alleged excise scam in Jharkhand. The investigation, based on a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, involved a conspiracy to amend excise policies for illicit profit, causing substantial financial losses to the government.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted sweeping raids on Tuesday at multiple locations associated with IAS officer Vinay Kumar Choubey, state officials, and liquor traders in connection with an alleged excise scam in Jharkhand. This comes amid ongoing assembly elections in the region.

Raids were carried out at 15 sites across Ranchi and Raipur following a criminal case established under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED is investigating accusations of a conspiracy involving state officials and a syndicate to modify excise policies, posing allegations of government financial loss.

Details of the criminal complaint reveal officials are alleged to have conspired to benefit liquor syndicates through policy amendments and fraudulent tendering processes. The investigation targets unlawful allocation of liquor supply contracts, implicating several high-profile individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)