In a significant pre-election move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Tuesday at premises linked to IAS officer Vinay Choubey, along with other government officers and businessmen, across Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The raids are part of an investigation into an alleged liquor ‘scam’ involving money laundering. This action comes as Jharkhand gears up for two-phase elections on November 13 and November 20.
The searches, taking place at 15 locations in Ranchi and Raipur, were initiated after the ED registered a case based on an FIR filed by Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). IAS officer Vinay Choubey, who served as the principal secretary to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren during the execution of the state’s 2022 excise policy, is a central figure in the investigation. State government officer Gajendra Singh, several liquor traders, and related individuals are also under scrutiny as the ED investigates allegations of financial misconduct linked to liquor trade and distribution.
The alleged scam is said to involve irregularities in the implementation of the excise policy, with illicit gains supposedly laundered through various entities and individuals. This probe comes amid an intensified focus by federal agencies on corruption and financial irregularities in Jharkhand, a state that has recently seen multiple high-profile cases involving top officials. The investigation is likely to impact the political climate in Jharkhand ahead of the upcoming elections, with opposition parties criticizing the ruling government and its handling of corruption in state administration.
Political observers suggest that these developments could shape the election narrative, as the opposition is expected to spotlight corruption and administrative malpractices as key issues. Meanwhile, ED officials have indicated that further investigations and possible summons for involved individuals may follow based on the findings from these raids.
