ED raids in Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh in connection with liquor scam

Over thirty locations in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have been searched by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of its investigation into money laundering connected to a liquor scam.

Vinod Verma, a political adviser to Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, is among those being searched, according to officials. At least 34 locations in Jharkhand were searched, including Rohit Oroan's home, who is the son of the state's Finance Minister, Rameshwar Oroan.

The agency also searched the residences of two of Baghel's officers on special duty, Manish Banchhor and Ashish Verma. Vijay Bhatia, Baghel's assistant, is also being investigated by the ED, and the agency raided his home.

Anwar Dhebar, the primary accused and brother of Raipur’s Mayor Aijaz Dhebar, allegedly received a total of Rs. 2,161 crore in commission from the Chhattisgarh liquor scandal, of which Rs. 776 crore allegedly went to political executives.

Arunpati Tripathi, the former Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), has also been charged in the case by the financial crimes inquiry agency.