The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday arrested former Chhattisgarh Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with its investigation into the alleged state liquor scam.

The development is a fresh formal arrest by the ED and should not be confused with Agrawal’s earlier arrest and custody under proceedings initiated by the Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Agrawal had surrendered before the EOW in July after remaining unavailable to investigators for nearly three years. He was subsequently questioned in connection with alleged irregularities involving liquor distribution, coal levy collections and custom-milling incentives.

ED Examining Alleged Money Trail

Investigating agencies have alleged that money generated through an illegal liquor-distribution network between 2019 and 2022 was moved through intermediaries and routed to different beneficiaries.

Agrawal, who formerly handled the state Congress organisation’s finances, is accused by the agencies of playing a role in managing and transferring part of the alleged proceeds. The ED is expected to question him regarding financial transactions, party-related accounts and his alleged links with other people named in the investigation.

These remain allegations made by investigating agencies and have not been proved in court.

Political Confrontation Likely to Intensify

The investigation has already become a major political issue in Chhattisgarh. Congress leaders have accused the BJP government and central agencies of targeting Opposition figures, while the ruling party has demanded accountability for alleged corruption during the previous Congress government.

Agrawal and Congress leaders have previously denied wrongdoing. His response to the latest ED action was not immediately available.

The next important development will be the court’s decision on the ED’s request for custodial interrogation. Any remand order should be added to this report once formally issued.