ED arrests ex-IAS Anil Tuteja in Chhattisgarh liquor scam case

ED's Raipur-based unit arrested Tuteja on April 21 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the ongoing money laundering investigation in connection with the case.

ED has recorded a fresh Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on the liquor scam based on the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Chhattisgarh Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in the matter.

ED investigation revealed that Tuteja is the "kingpin" of the liquor syndicate operating in Chhattisgarh.

"Evidences documenting his direct involvement in managing the state administration for unhindered operations of the syndicate have been gathered. He was also found to be actively engaged with Anwar Dhebar, another co-accused in matter," ED said in a statement.

Pieces of evidence have been gathered that though Tuteja was not officially a part of the Excise Department, yet he was actively involved with the operations of the Excise Department, said the federal agency.

The digital evidence relating to the receipt of Rs 14.41 crore by Tuteja has also been discovered during the investigation, said the ED, adding "His role in the appointment of Arun Pati Tripathi as Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited has also been gathered, who is also a co-accused in the liquor scam."

ED said it is investigating the liquor scam that ran between 2019 to 2022 in which corruption was done in multiple ways.

As per the ED, Bribe was collected from the distillers per each Case of liquor procured from them by the CSMCL (State body for purchase and sale of liquor).

It further said not even a single rupee reached the state exchequer, and all the sale proceeds were pocketed by the syndicate. "The illegal liquor was sold from state-run shops only. Bribes are taken from distillers to allow them to make a cartel and have fixed market share."

"Commission from FL-10A license holders who were introduced to earn in Foreign liquor segment also."

ED investigation has revealed that the complicit actions of Tuteja resulted in massive loss to the state exchequer and filled the pockets of the beneficiaries of the liquor syndicate with more than Rs 2,100 crore in illegal proceeds of crime. He also received a substantial share in this loot.

Tuteja was arrested on April 21 and produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Raipur, and five days of ED custody was granted.(ANI)