IN a major crackdown, the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) conducted raids at the premises of individuals connected to the liquor business in Raipur, Bhilai, Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur. The SEOIACB team simultaneously targeted the residences of businessmen, including Vijay Bhatia, a resident of Nehru Nagar (East) in Bhilai, Trilok Singh Dhillon also a resident of Nehru Nagar and Lakshmi Narayan Bansal alias Pappu Bansal, in New Khursipar, Bhilai. Trilok Singh Dhillon alias Pappu and Bhatia’s homes were subjected to a thorough investigation by the SEOIACB team of around a dozen officers. However, Bansal’s residence was found to be locked, prompting the team to seal the house and issue a notice before leaving stating that the SEOIACB had sealed the house. Bhatia gained notoriety due to his involvement in a CD scandal. Additionally, the team conducted raids at the residence of Atul Sinha, a Raipur resident and FL10 A Liquor Licensee.

 

In a related development, SEOIACB arrested former Special Secretary of the Excise Department, A P Tripathi, from Bihar, intensifying their probe into the Liquor scam. An FIR has been filed against Tripathi. Earlier, the SEOIACB agencies had arrested Arvind Singh and Anwar Dhebar. On Thursday, SEOIACB raided 21 locations associated with the liquor scam accused across Raipur, Bhilai, Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur. The operations included searches in Devendra Nagar, Sadar Bazaar, and Pandari in Raipur. Over 30 officers from across the State participated in coordinated raid, resulting in the detention of those whose names have figured in scam for questioning. It may mentioned that after the Supreme Court quashed the money laundering investigation by the Enforcement Directorate in the Rs 2200 crore Liquor Scam, the Raipur Zonal office of the federal agency filed a fresh Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in the liquor scam.

 

The state investigation agency, SEOIACB, has intensified its investigation into the alleged Rs 2200 crore liquor scam by conducting simultaneous raids and arresting one of the main suspects A P Tripathi. Tripathi was found at a relative’s residence in Gopalganj, Bihar, and was brought to Raipur after his arrest. Tripathi, a former Telecom Service officer, had been on deputation to Chhattisgarh, where he held various roles, including Special Secretary in the Excise Department. The liquor scam reportedly occurred during his tenure. SEOIACB has already questioned those in jail related to the case and arrested Arvind Singh and Anwar Dhebar, the brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar, in connection with the scam. Tripathi’s arrest marks the third arrest made by SEOIACB in this investigation. Anwar Dhebar and Arvind Singh remain in SEOIACB custody until April 12. Following the end of their custody period, it is likely that they will be presented in Raipur’s Special Court for an extension of their remand in light of Tripathi’s arrest and the ongoing investigation.