ED seizes Rs 5.39cr cash, gold in Chhattisgarh liquor scam raids

RAIPUR: The Enforcement Directorate has seized cash and gold worth around Rs 5.39 crore during searches at 13 locations across Raipur, Durg-Bhilai and Bilaspur in connection with the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam last week.The searches, carried out by ED’s Raipur zonal office on April 30 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, covered premises linked to liquor traders, chartered accountants, businesspersons and corporate entities suspected to have handled or concealed proceeds of crime.According to ED, the seizure included Rs 53 lakh in cash and gold jewellery/bullion weighing around 3.234kg, valued at approximately Rs 4.86 crore. Incriminating documents and digital devices were also recovered and are being analysed.The money-laundering probe is based on FIRs registered by EOW/ACB Raipur. ED said the investigation has revealed an alleged organised conspiracy involving political executives, senior bureaucrats, liquor distillers, and their associates for illegal commissions in procurement, licensing and sale of liquor between 2019 and 2022.The proceeds of crime have been estimated at around Rs 2,883 crore, as per EOW/ACB chargesheets. So far, ED has arrested nine persons, filed six prosecution complaints naming 81 accused persons and entities, and attached properties worth about Rs 380 crore.