In a major development in the ongoing Rs 3,200 crore liquor scam investigation, the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB), Raipur, has seized 16 vehicles allegedly used in the transportation of illegal liquor, further tightening the probe into the supply chain linked to key distilleries. The action has been carried out in connection with Crime No. 04/2024 registered under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), along with Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. The seizures were made from Welcome Distillery located in Kota, Bilaspur district, and Bhatia Wines Distillery in Sargaon, Mungeli district. According to investigators, digital and physical evidence collected during the probe has established that these vehicles were being used for the transport of illegal liquor, referred to as “Part-B”, directly from distilleries to select government-run liquor shops.

 

The investigation has revealed a pattern of repeated use of specific vehicles for such operations. The bureau sleuths stated that the identification of these vehicles was carried out distillery-wise based on documentary evidence and statements of witnesses. Of the total seized, eight vehicles have been linked to Welcome Distillery, while another eight have been traced to Bhatia Wines Distillery. The probe has further indicated that the vehicles used in the alleged illegal transport network were procured or arranged in the names of company entities, employees, and other trusted individuals associated with the distilleries, suggesting a structured mechanism to conceal ownership and operational links. Investigators have also flagged similar patterns in connection with Kedia Distillery, where the use of private vehicles for illegal liquor movement is currently under separate examination. The state’s anti-graft agency has stated that further investigation and legal proceedings in the case are underway.