ED remand of Tuteja extended till May 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the ongoing investigation into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) produced Anil Tuteja in a special court and sought a six-day remand for former IAS officer Anil Tuteja on Monday. The Special Court sent Anil Tuteja to ED remand till May 4, 2024. Tuteja, who was previously on a five-day ED remand, was presented before a special court where the ED pushed for further interrogation on Monday. However, Tuteja’s defense lawyer argued against the necessity of the remand, citing minimal inquiry conducted during the previous remand period. Following arguments from both sides, the court has reserved its decision on the matter. Tuteja, who was arrested by the ED on April 21 in connection with the liquor scam, has been a central figure in the investigation, with allegations labeling him as one of the architects of the scam.

 

The Chhattisgarh liquor scam, estimated to have cost the state exchequer Rs 2,161 crore, implicates several individuals, including politicians. The scam allegedly involved manipulation of liquor policies for personal gain, with Tuteja and others accused of orchestrating corrupt practices within the Excise Department. The case has seen significant legal developments, including the quashing of the initial ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) by the Supreme Court, followed by the registration of a second ECIR by the ED.

 

The investigation has named multiple individuals, including former excise minister and MLA Kawasi Lakhma, and Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar. Tuteja’s defense has challenged the legality of his arrest, arguing that it occurred despite the quashing of the previous ECIR by the Supreme Court. The legal proceedings continue to unfold as the court deliberates on the ED’s request for a six-day remand for further interrogation. As the case progresses, it sheds light on the intricate web of corruption within the Chhattisgarh liquor industry, emphasising the importance of thorough investigation and accountability in combating such malpractices.