Raipur, Dec 24: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested retired IAS officer Niranjan Das in connection with the multi-crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam, alleging that he played a key role in facilitating one of the largest revenue frauds in the state.
According to officials, Das was arrested by the ED’s Raipur Zonal Office on December 19 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
He was subsequently produced before a special PMLA court in Raipur, which granted the agency three days of custodial interrogation till December 22.
The ED’s investigation stems from a first information report (FIR) earlier registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing (ACB/EOW), Chhattisgarh, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Investigators allege that the liquor scam resulted in a loss of more than Rs 2,500 crore to the state exchequer.
The proceeds of crime were allegedly generated through illegal liquor sales and manipulation of the state’s liquor procurement and distribution system.
The ED has stated that further investigation is underway to identify other beneficiaries, trace the flow of illicit funds, and attach assets linked to the alleged money laundering in the case.
