Coal, liquor scams: Chattisgarh ACB names 2 ex-Congress ministers in FIRs

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh anti-corruption bureau has filed two FIRs as part of its probe into the alleged coal levy and liquor scams, naming more than 100 people, including two former Congress ministers, six ex-MLAs, a state party office bearer, two suspended bureaucrats and a former chief secretary.

The FIRs follow a complaint lodged by ED deputy director Sandeep Ahuja on Jan 17 in connection with the "illegal coal levy", which named 35 accused, including Soumya Chourasia, a former deputy secretary in the then CM's secretariat, IAS officers Ranu Sahu and Sameer Vishnoi and businessman Suryakant Tiwari. The IAS duo are now in judicial custody.

The FIR on the liquor scam names 70 accused, including then excise minister Kawasi Lakhma, now a sitting MLA, retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, then excise commissioner Niranjan Das, businessman Anwar Debhar, nearly a dozen excise officials, and businessman Vijay Bhatia. Another prominent name in the FIR is Vivek Dhand, a former chief secretary who later became chairman of Chhattisgarh RERA and Chhattisgarh State Innovation Commission. None of the Congress leaders, bureaucrats or former officials have commented on the FIRs.

ED claimed to have unearthed an estimated Rs 500 crore illegal coal levy and a Rs 6,000 crore liquor scam during the Baghel government. Allegations suggested involvement of political executives, bureaucrats, & businessmen.