Ranchi: The investigation into Jharkhand’s alleged liquor scam has gathered fresh momentum, with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) summoning three former senior officials of the Excise and Prohibition Department for another round of questioning. The agency has directed them to appear on August 4 to clarify their earlier statements and respond to findings that have emerged during the ongoing investigation. Investigators are also examining whether the alleged irregularities caused financial losses to the state exchequer and what role individual officials may have played in the decision-making process.
The summons have been issued to former Excise Commissioner Gajendra Singh, former Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL) General Manager Sudhir Kumar Das, and former Commissioner Amit Prakash. According to the ACB, investigators will compare their previous statements with documentary evidence gathered during the probe. The officials may also be asked to provide additional records or clarifications, if required.
The case relates to the alleged liquor scam registered last year. During the initial phase of the investigation, the ACB had arrested all three officials. However, they were subsequently granted bail after the agency was unable to file a chargesheet within the statutory time limit. Despite their release, the investigation has continued, with authorities examining administrative decisions, financial transactions and procurement-related records.
According to the investigating agency, the latest round of questioning is intended to verify earlier statements and identify any discrepancies between witness accounts and documentary evidence. The ACB is cross-checking tender documents, official approvals, financial records and other available material to establish a clear sequence of events and determine whether due procedures were followed.
Officials associated with the investigation said the inquiry is focused on examining whether irregularities occurred during liquor procurement, distribution, contract allocation and administrative decision-making that may have resulted in a loss of government revenue. The fresh questioning is aimed at corroborating the available evidence and resolving inconsistencies that may have surfaced during the investigation.
Sources indicated that the ACB is conducting a detailed comparative analysis of departmental records, tender documents, financial transactions and statements recorded earlier. If new facts emerge during questioning, the scope of the investigation could be expanded further. Investigators are also assessing the responsibilities of various officials involved in the approval and execution of the procurement process.
Officials believe documentary evidence will play a crucial role in establishing accountability in the case. As a result, files containing administrative notes, approvals, contracts, procurement records and payment details are being scrutinised carefully. Depending on the findings, additional officials or other persons connected with the case may also be questioned.
Legal experts note that recalling individuals for questioning is a routine part of investigations into complex financial and administrative cases. If newly collected evidence differs from earlier statements or raises fresh questions, investigating agencies often summon the concerned individuals again to seek clarification. Such a process helps strengthen the evidentiary basis of the investigation before any further legal action is taken.
The ACB has stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that decisions regarding future legal proceedings will be taken after a comprehensive examination of all relevant documents and evidence. The agency has maintained that if sufficient evidence of financial irregularities, procedural violations or criminal conspiracy is established, appropriate action will be initiated in accordance with the law. Given the sensitivity of the case, investigators have indicated that more questioning and additional action may follow as the probe progresses.
