The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has completed a crucial phase of its probe into the high-profile Chhattisgarh liquor scam and filed its final chargesheet before the court. The money-laundering investigation, monitored closely by the higher judiciary, has been wrapped up within the three-month timeframe set by the Supreme Court.
According to ED officials, the chargesheet runs into nearly 29,800 pages and names a total of 81 accused persons. With this filing, the matter now moves formally into the trial stage, where documentary evidence, witness testimonies and financial records will be examined in detail.
22 accused earlier — 59 more names added
ED counsel Saurabh Pandey informed that an earlier prosecution complaint had been filed against 22 individuals. In the latest filing, the agency has added 59 more names, significantly widening the scope of the case.
Those named include:
- senior bureaucrats
- IAS officers
- excise department officials
- liquor distributors
- licensed traders and business associates
The agency alleges that a coordinated network was created to manipulate systems, siphon revenue and convert illicit earnings into seemingly legitimate assets.
315-page summary — calls, chats and bank trails mapped
Along with the detailed chargesheet, ED has also submitted a 315-page prosecution summary that lays out how the network allegedly operated, how funds moved, and how decisions were influenced.
The evidence cited includes:
- movement of funds through multiple banking channels
- entries routed via shell companies
- digital records, call logs and chat transcripts
- detailed analysis of suspicious transactions
According to the agency, these documents illustrate a deliberate misuse of policy frameworks and administrative positions, coordinated across several layers of bureaucracy and business.
‘Favourable official posted to push the policy’
The chargesheet also raises questions about the role of former Excise Commissioner Niranjan Das. ED claims that an earlier officer had objected to the proposed policy, following which a “favourable person” was appointed to ensure smooth implementation of the alleged scheme.
The agency further argues that the absence of punitive actions during that period allowed irregularities to continue unchecked and deepen over time.
₹3,000-crore estimate — properties tracked across locations
ED estimates that the alleged scam could be worth around ₹3,000 crore. The agency claims that proceeds from the illegal operations were diverted into assets across different states and cities, including:
- land parcels
- residential and commercial properties
- luxury goods and high-value purchases
Details of these suspected assets have been forwarded to the adjudicating authority, and the agency has indicated that more attachment and confiscation actions could follow, depending on future findings.
Long courtroom battle ahead
With the chargesheet taken on record, the case now moves into a prolonged trial phase. Courts will examine digital evidence, financial records and witness depositions, while the defence will counter the charges with its own arguments.
Given its political and administrative implications, the matter is being closely watched. Allegations touch directly on governance, policymaking and the handling of public revenue — making it one of the more sensitive cases in recent years.
The ED maintains that it stands firmly by its evidence and expects the truth to emerge clearly during trial.
