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Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Political & Bureaucratic Corruption Allegations Emerge

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 17:38 GMT by ThePrint

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Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: A Web of Politics, Bureaucracy, and Alleged Corruption Unravels

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is aggressively investigating a massive liquor scam in Chhattisgarh, alleging a sophisticated network involving prominent political figures, high-ranking bureaucrats, and criminal syndicates. The scandal, which has shaken the Bhupesh Baghel government and sent ripples through national politics, centers around illegal diversion of excise revenue and money laundering activities linked to the state's liquor policy. The ED’s findings paint a picture of systematic corruption and collusion designed to enrich those involved while depriving the state exchequer of significant funds.

The Core of the Scam: Illegal Diversion & Manipulation

At its heart, the Chhattisgarh liquor scam revolves around irregularities in the implementation of the state's excise policy, particularly from 2019-20 onwards. The policy allowed for a wholesale distribution system through private entities, which ostensibly aimed to improve efficiency and revenue generation. However, according to the ED’s investigation, this system was exploited to divert liquor meant for legal sale into dry states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka – where alcohol is prohibited or heavily restricted.

The ED alleges that a "syndicate" was formed involving political leaders, government officials, and individuals linked to criminal organizations. This syndicate manipulated the excise license allotment process, favored specific distributors (often with connections to those in power), and created loopholes for illegal liquor transportation. The profits generated from this illicit trade were then laundered through various shell companies and diverted back into the hands of the perpetrators.

Key Players & Allegations

While the investigation is ongoing, several key individuals have come under intense scrutiny:

• Bhupesh Baghel (Former Chief Minister): While not directly named in arrest warrants as of yet, the ED’s chargesheets strongly implicate Baghel and his close associates. The ED claims that Baghel was aware of the irregularities and allegedly facilitated them to benefit those involved. Evidence includes alleged meetings with key accused and financial transactions linked to his family members.
• Prem Sasini (Close Aide to Baghel): Sasini, a political advisor to Baghel, is considered a central figure in the scam. He’s been arrested and faces accusations of acting as a conduit for illegal funds, allegedly receiving substantial sums from various accused individuals. The ED believes he played a crucial role in connecting politicians with those involved in the illicit liquor trade.
• Manoj Mosari: A businessman identified as a key player in the distribution network, Mosari is alleged to have been instrumental in facilitating the diversion of liquor and laundering profits. He allegedly acted as a middleman between distributors and political figures.
• Lakshyaj Korram (IAS Officer): Korram, an IAS officer who previously held positions related to excise policy implementation, has been arrested. The ED accuses him of actively participating in the manipulation of the system and facilitating illegal activities. He allegedly received bribes for his involvement.
• Other Bureaucrats & Officials: Several other government officials are under investigation for their roles in enabling the scam, including those involved in license allocation, excise duty collection, and departmental audits.

The Money Laundering Angle & Shell Companies

A significant aspect of the ED’s probe is tracing the money trail. The agency has identified numerous shell companies allegedly used to launder proceeds from the illegal liquor trade. These companies were created with fictitious names and addresses, often controlled by individuals linked to the accused. Funds generated from the sale of diverted liquor were routed through these shell entities, making it difficult to track their origin and destination. The ED is analyzing financial records, bank statements, and property transactions to unravel this complex web of money laundering.

The Telangana Connection & Cross-State Implications

The scam’s impact extends beyond Chhattisgarh. A significant portion of the illegally diverted liquor was destined for dry states, particularly Telangana. This has led to investigations in Telangana as well, with authorities there exploring how the illicit liquor entered their state and who facilitated its distribution. The cross-state nature of the operation highlights the scale and sophistication of the criminal network involved.

Political Fallout & Future Investigations

The Chhattisgarh liquor scam has created a major political crisis for the Congress government. While Baghel denies any wrongdoing, the allegations have severely damaged his reputation and that of his party. The BJP, the primary opposition party in Chhattisgarh, is seizing upon the scandal to demand accountability and call for further investigations. The state election commission has also initiated inquiries into potential violations of electoral code of conduct related to the alleged illegal activities.

The ED’s investigation is far from over. They are likely to broaden their scope to include more individuals and organizations involved in the scam, potentially uncovering even deeper layers of corruption. Further arrests and chargesheets are expected as the probe progresses. The case underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability within the excise departments across Indian states to prevent such large-scale financial crimes.

Disclaimer: This article is a summary based on information available in the provided URL ("https://theprint.in/india/political-figures-bureaucrats-formed-syndicate-to-perpetrate-chhattisgarh-liquor-scam-ed/2815232/") and linked articles. AI-generated summaries are inherently prone to potential inaccuracies or omissions. The legal proceedings surrounding this case are ongoing, and the allegations mentioned have not been proven in a court of law. This summary is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always refer to official sources and verified news reports for accurate and up-to-date information.