The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its money laundering investigation into the alleged Jharkhand liquor scam by summoning former Jharkhand finance minister Rameshwar Oraon along with his son, Rohit Oraon, for questioning over alleged links to the case.
Rohit Oraon has been directed to appear before the ED’s regional office in Ranchi at 11 AM on Monday, while Rameshwar Oraon has been summoned for questioning the following day, Tuesday.
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ED Examines Alleged Policy Approval Process
According to an ED official cited in the report, the summons were issued because Rameshwar Oraon was heading the state’s finance department when Jharkhand’s wholesale liquor policy was approved.
The official said information received by the agency suggests the finance department initially raised several official objections and returned the policy file, but later signed and approved it under alleged pressure from Rohit Oraon, who was said to be acting on behalf of an active liquor syndicate. The ED intends to formally verify the information as part of its investigation.
The summons arise from an ongoing probe into a liquor syndicate allegedly controlled indirectly by businessman Yogendra Tiwari before the rollout of the Excise Policy 2022.
Earlier Searches and Seizures
The report states that during statewide searches conducted on August 23, 2023, ED officials searched multiple premises linked to the Oraon family. During those searches, investigators recovered ₹20 lakh in cash from Rohit Oraon’s premises.
The agency also found that Rohit Oraon had entered into business agreements related to Jharkhand’s liquor trade, although he did not formally launch operations.
The ED has already filed its first prosecution report in the case, detailing how specific companies allegedly controlled wholesale liquor licences across multiple districts.
Oraon Responds to the Summons
Responding to the development, Rameshwar Oraon, who is currently the Lohardaga MLA, said the ED had sought details including his PAN card, movable and immovable properties, and other relevant documents relating to his assets.
Oraon said the information sought was already available with the Income Tax Department and the Election Commission but added that he would still provide the documents. He also stated that the agency had sent him the letter a day before the summons.
