Major Action in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Vijay Bhatia Arrested from Delhi, Raids at 6 Locations in Durg by ACB-EOW

The liquor businessman had been on the run for a long time. He is currently being brought to Raipur for further interrogation.

Simultaneously, the joint team conducted raids at over six of Bhatia’s locations in the Durg-Bhilai region, including his residence in Nehru Nagar, Bhilai. The early morning operation was carried out by a 7-member team, with female officers also present to ensure protocol compliance. House staff were allowed to continue routine work while being questioned.

Notably, the same property had been raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) nearly two years ago, after which Bhatia went underground.

Raids Follow Earlier Action at 39 Locations

This crackdown follows an earlier large-scale operation conducted just 12 days ago, during which EOW-ACB officials raided 39 locations across Durg, Bhilai, Dhamtari, and Mahasamund. That action led to the seizure of ₹90 lakh in cash, gold, silver, and several electronic devices.

Prominent names linked to the scam, including Ashok Agrawal, Bansi Agrawal, Vishal Kejriwal, and Vinay Agrawal, were also under scrutiny during the earlier raids.

What is the Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam?

As per the FIR filed by the Enforcement Directorate, a massive ₹2,100 crore scam was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 during the tenure of the then Bhupesh Baghel-led government. The alleged scam involved a cartel of senior officials and businessmen manipulating the excise system for illicit profits through government-run liquor shops.

Key accused include former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, former Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation (CSMC) A.P. Tripathi, and businessman Anwar Dhebar.

The ED alleges that commission was illegally collected from distillers, illicit country liquor was circulated, and foreign liquor operations were manipulated using FL-10A licenses.

What is an FL-10A License?

Under the FL-10A license, companies are allowed to procure foreign liquor manufactured in any Indian state and supply it to the Chhattisgarh government. While this license permits storage and transportation, much of the responsibility was handed over directly to the Chhattisgarh State Beverage Corporation, reportedly bypassing regulatory oversight.

Serious Allegations Against Ex-Minister Lakhma

The ED report also levels serious accusations against former Excise Minister and current MLA Kawasi Lakhma, alleging he acted as a political patron of the scam network. Reports claim he received ₹2 crore per month as kickbacks, which were funneled through his son Harish Kawasi and allegedly used in the construction of the Congress Bhavan in Sukma.