Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: How a ₹3200 Crore Fraud Was Built – From Tender Manipulation to Illegal Assets

Top IAS Officer Allegedly Received ₹50 Lakh Monthly Kickbacks

According to the latest supplementary chargesheet filed by the EOW, former Excise Department Commissioner and Secretary Niranjan Das (IAS) played a pivotal role in orchestrating the scam. During his nearly three-year tenure, Das allegedly facilitated crucial changes in excise policy, amendments in the Excise Act, and manipulation of tender conditions to favor select liquor manufacturers and distributors.

Investigators claim that in return for running the illegal racket, Niranjan Das was paid approximately ₹50 lakh every month. So far, the probe has identified disproportionate assets worth ₹16 crore in the name of Das and his family members, including prime real estate and other immovable properties. Officials say the figure is likely to rise substantially as the investigation progresses.

Key Figures: Anil Tuteja, Anwar Dhebar Provided Protection

The chargesheet names retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja and businessman-turned-politician Anwar Dhebar (brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar) as the main protectors of the liquor syndicate. Documents and witness statements indicate that the duo provided political and administrative cover to the entire operation.

Despite having full knowledge of large-scale illegal collections and irregularities, Niranjan Das allegedly turned a blind eye and took no action against the culprits, the EOW has told the court.

7th Supplementary Chargesheet of 6300 Pages Filed

On Wednesday, the EOW submitted its seventh supplementary chargesheet (around 6,300 pages) before the Special Judge just a day before the 90-day investigation deadline expired. Key accused named in the latest chargesheet include:

- Niranjan Das (former Excise Commissioner & Secretary)

- Nitesh Purohit

- Yash Purohit (son of Nitesh Purohit)

- Atul Singh

- Mukesh Manchanda

- Deepen Chawda

None of the accused were physically produced in court; their presence was marked through video conferencing. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for January 8, 2026.

50 Accused Charged So Far, More Names Likely

With the latest filing, the total number of accused charged in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam has reached 50. The EOW has made it clear that the investigation is far from over and several other high-profile names may surface in the coming months.

The multi-crore liquor scam involves alleged manipulation in liquor procurement, country-made liquor policy, illegal holograms, and large-scale bribery to secure licenses and supply quotas.