22 excise officials suspended in Chhattisgarh’s ‘Rs 3,200-crore liquor scam’

By | July 11, 2025
Chhattisgarh liquor scam: Excise department under investigation

Raipur – The Chhattisgarh government has suspended 22 excise officials after a massive liquor scam ballooned to ₹3,200 crore. This crackdown follows the latest chargesheet filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which uncovered deep-rooted corruption across multiple districts.

Scam Deepens With New Chargesheet

On July 7, 2025, the EOW submitted its fourth supplementary chargesheet to a special court in Raipur. Investigators revised the estimated loss from ₹2,161 crore to ₹3,200 crore. This figure marks the liquor scam as one of India’s largest in recent years.

The EOW found that a parallel system had siphoned off excise revenue through illegal liquor distribution. Officials worked with distilleries and vendors to push unaccounted alcohol into the market. This shadow network operated alongside the legal system and completely bypassed state taxes.

How the Scam Operated

Between 2019 and 2023, corrupt officials helped move illegal liquor from licensed distilleries to shops across 15 major districts. They used fake holograms and barcode stickers to pass the alcohol off as legal. Records show that between 20 and 400 truckloads of untracked liquor moved monthly during peak periods.

Excise officers, vendors, and intermediaries shared the profits. Officials earned over ₹88 crore in commissions alone. Meanwhile, the state suffered massive revenue losses.

Who Got Suspended?

The latest chargesheet listed 29 excise officials. Out of these, 22 still held active positions and have now been suspended. The other seven had already retired.

The suspended staff includes assistant commissioners, sub-inspectors, and district-level officers. All were allegedly involved in running or supporting the illegal liquor chain. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s government acted quickly, promising strict action against everyone involved.

Political Links Emerge

While the EOW focuses on the administrative side, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the money trail. The ED is examining how illegal funds were moved and where they were stored.

Their investigation has pointed to several high-profile names, including:

  • Former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma
  • Associates of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel
  • Liquor syndicate leader Anwar Dhebar, brother of ex-Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar

The ED arrested Anwar Dhebar in 2023. They suspect he received over ₹90 crore through bribes and commissions.

Public Outrage and Political Fallout

The BJP-led government says it is committed to ending corruption. In contrast, the Congress party accuses the ruling party of using the investigation to settle political scores.

People in Chhattisgarh have responded with anger. Liquor tax accounts for nearly 20% of the state’s annual revenue. Citizens are shocked that such a huge system of fraud operated for years.

Civic groups are demanding reforms. Many have called for better tracking of liquor production and digital monitoring of excise data.

What Happens Next?

The special court in Raipur will begin hearings on the new charges soon. More arrests could follow, depending on what comes out during the proceedings.

The ED may also seize property, freeze accounts, or press money laundering charges. If the scam involves interstate or foreign links, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) might step in.

Conclusion

The ₹3,200-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh has shaken public trust in the state’s revenue system. With 22 officials suspended and investigations ongoing, this case could trigger long-overdue reforms.

Whether this leads to justice or more political fights remains to be seen. But for now, the public demands answers—and accountability.