ED Names 59 More in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam, Total Accused Reach 81

ED files final complaint in Chhattisgarh liquor scam, adding 59 names, bringing total accused to 81.

Photo by Kevin Grieve

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has filed its final prosecution complaint in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam, adding 59 new names to the list of accused, bringing the total to 81. This move comes after the Supreme Court set a three-month deadline for the agency to file the complaint.

The ED alleges a "₹3,000 crore loss" to the state exchequer due to the scam, which surfaced during the previous Congress regime. The new accused include former Deputy Secretary at the Chief Minister's office, an ex-IAS officer, liquor license holders, manufacturers, and Excise Department officials, underscoring the widespread nature of the alleged corruption.

Key Facts

ED filed final prosecution complaint in Chhattisgarh liquor scam

59 new accused named, total 81 accused

Supreme Court set 3-month deadline for complaint filing

Alleged '₹3,000 crore loss' to state exchequer

Scam surfaced during previous Congress regime

Accused include former Deputy Secretary, ex-IAS officer, liquor license holders, manufacturers, Excise officials

UPSC Exam Angles

Powers and jurisdiction of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and its parent ministry.

Provisions and implications of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, including recent Supreme Court interpretations.

Impact of corruption on state finances, governance, and public trust.

Aspects of federalism and Centre-State relations concerning central investigative agencies operating in states.

Role of the judiciary (Supreme Court) in overseeing investigations and ensuring accountability.

Ethical considerations and accountability of public servants (IAS officers, state officials) in governance.

Visual Insights

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Geographic Context

This map highlights Chhattisgarh, the state where the alleged ₹3,000 crore liquor scam occurred, providing immediate geographic context to the news.

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📍Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Key Figures (as of Dec 2025)

A dashboard summarizing the critical numbers from the ED's final prosecution complaint in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam.

Alleged Loss to State Exchequer: ₹3,000 Crore
Total Accused Named by ED: 81
New Accused Added in Final Complaint: 59
Supreme Court Deadline for ED: 3 Months

More Information

Background

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is a multi-disciplinary organization mandated to investigate money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. Its role has become increasingly prominent in recent years, particularly in high-profile corruption cases involving political figures and bureaucrats. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, grants significant powers to the ED, including the attachment of properties, arrest, and prosecution, aimed at combating financial crimes and bringing illicit funds back into the legitimate economy.

Latest Developments

The ED has filed its final prosecution complaint in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam, adding 59 new names and bringing the total accused to 81. This action follows a Supreme Court directive setting a three-month deadline. The ED alleges a substantial ₹3,000 crore loss to the state exchequer during the previous Congress regime, implicating a wide range of individuals from former high-ranking officials in the Chief Minister's office and ex-IAS officers to liquor license holders, manufacturers, and Excise Department personnel, highlighting the systemic nature of the alleged corruption.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. With reference to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and its powers, consider the following statements: 1. The ED functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 2. It is empowered to investigate offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. 3. Under PMLA, the burden of proving that the attached property is not proceeds of crime generally lies with the accused. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Directorate of Enforcement functions under the administrative control of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. Statement 2 is correct. The ED is mandated to enforce the PMLA, FEMA, and also the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. Statement 3 is correct. A significant feature of PMLA is the reverse burden of proof, where the accused generally has to prove that the attached property is not proceeds of crime.

2. In the context of state finances and governance in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the regulation of alcoholic liquor?

A.The power to legislate on the production, manufacture, transport, purchase, and sale of alcoholic liquor for human consumption rests with the State Legislatures.
B.Excise duty on alcoholic liquors for human consumption is a significant source of revenue for the Union Government.
C.The State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution includes 'Intoxicating liquors, that is to say, the production, manufacture, transport, purchase and sale of intoxicating liquors'.
D.Loss to the state exchequer due to irregularities in liquor policy directly impacts the state's capacity to fund public welfare schemes.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement B is NOT correct. Excise duty on alcoholic liquors for human consumption is a significant source of revenue for the State Governments, not the Union Government. The Union Government levies excise duty on tobacco and certain petroleum products, but not on alcoholic liquor for human consumption. Statements A and C are correct, as 'Intoxicating liquors' is Entry 51 in the State List (List II) of the Seventh Schedule, granting states exclusive power to legislate and levy excise duties on them. Statement D is correct, as any loss to the state exchequer directly reduces the funds available for state-sponsored development and welfare programs.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002: 1. The Act defines 'money laundering' as an offence and provides for confiscation of property derived from, or involved in, money laundering. 2. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the primary agency responsible for investigating offences under PMLA. 3. A 'prosecution complaint' under PMLA is equivalent to a chargesheet filed by police under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct. PMLA defines money laundering and provides for the attachment, adjudication, and confiscation of proceeds of crime. Statement 2 is correct. The ED is the designated agency for investigating money laundering offences under PMLA. Statement 3 is correct. Under PMLA, the ED files a 'prosecution complaint' before the Special Court, which is analogous to a chargesheet filed by police under the CrPC, initiating the trial process against the accused.