Chhattisgarh liquor scam: EOW names ex-CM Baghel’s dy secy in 9th chargesheet

Raipur: The State Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Wednesday submitted the ninth supplementary chargesheet in the alleged Rs 2883 crore liquor scam case before a special court here. It named three arrested accused, including former CM Bhupesh Baghel's then deputy secretary Saumya Chaurasia, Krishna Kumar Srivastava, and Devendra Dadsena. The probe agency said it has established distinct roles for each of the three accused. Saumya Chaurasia, the former deputy secretary to the chief minister's office (CMO), allegedly misused her official position to provide protection and administrative support to the liquor syndicate. The agency claimed her active involvement helped coordinate activities that caused an irreparable loss to the state exchequer. With this latest submission, the EOW has so far filed chargesheets against a total of 51 individuals in the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities between 2019 and 2023. According to probe agencies, the liquor scam occurred in Chhattisgarh between 2019 and 2023 during the Congress government of Bhupesh Baghel. It involved allegations that a criminal syndicate, allegedly in collusion with political and administrative authorities, supplied liquor to government shops while extorting illegal commissions. The ED has estimated the loss to the state exchequer at Rs 2883 crore. According to EOW, KK Srivastava played a central role in the movement of illicit funds. He was reportedly involved in the collection, transport, and management of illegal cash, besides misusing his influence to invest the proceeds of crime. Devendra Dadsena, formerly an accountant at Rajiv Bhavan, allegedly acted as a conduit for the syndicate. The EOW said that his role involved receiving, securing, and subsequently distributing illegal funds as per instructions. The case involves various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, including charges of cheating (section 420), forgery (sections 467, 468, 471), and criminal conspiracy (section 120-B). The agency has indicated that the probe is far from over. Investigations continue into the involvement of other govt officials, private individuals, political figures, and various firms or companies linked to the syndicate. The EOW said that further chargesheets would be presented in court as more evidence becomes available. Investigations by agencies, including the EOW and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), indicate a parallel syndicate that allegedly collected illegal commissions from liquor sales and manipulated distribution channels. Probe reports suggest involvement of bureaucrats, businessmen, and persons linked to the political establishment, leading to substantial loss to the state exchequer. Multiple chargesheets have been filed, and money laundering angles are also under scrutiny. Raids, arrests, and court proceedings are ongoing as agencies continue to expand the investigation.