ED Attaches Assets Worth Over ₹1,000 Crore in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
Four More Accused Named in Fresh Chargesheet
Raipur: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Raipur Zonal Office, has intensified its action in the alleged Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam by attaching properties with an estimated market value exceeding ₹1,000 crore and filing a fresh prosecution complaint against four additional accused under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
According to an official statement, the ED issued three Provisional Attachment Orders (PAOs) on May 28, 2026, attaching several movable and immovable properties connected to the alleged liquor syndicate. The attached assets carry a registered deed value of approximately ₹200 crore, while their current market value is estimated to be more than ₹1,000 crore.
Major Action in Ongoing Money Laundering Investigation
The latest attachment forms part of the Enforcement Directorate’s ongoing investigation into the alleged liquor scam that has remained under scrutiny for suspected large-scale financial irregularities, illegal gains, and laundering of proceeds of crime.
Investigators believe that substantial assets were acquired using funds generated through the alleged illegal liquor network. The newly attached properties have been identified as part of the proceeds of crime traced during the course of the investigation.
The ED has been conducting extensive financial analysis, examination of transaction records, and scrutiny of business entities allegedly linked to the scam in an effort to uncover the money trail and identify beneficiaries of the illegal proceeds.
Sixth Supplementary Prosecution Complaint Filed
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate has also filed its Sixth Supplementary Prosecution Complaint before the Special PMLA Court in Raipur on May 29, 2026.
The supplementary complaint names four new accused persons, expanding the scope of the prosecution in one of the state’s most high-profile financial crime investigations.
The newly arraigned accused include:
- Vijay Bhatia, a businessman allegedly linked to the liquor syndicate.
- T. Bhuneshwar Rao
- Probir Sharma
- Nikhil Chandrakar
With the inclusion of these individuals, the total number of accused persons named in the PMLA prosecution has increased to 85.
Allegations Against Vijay Bhatia
According to the ED, businessman Vijay Bhatia maintained close links with individuals associated with the alleged liquor syndicate.
Investigators have alleged that Bhatia acquired a 52.5 percent benami stake in M/s Om Sai Beverages, a company reportedly connected to the broader liquor business network under investigation.
The agency claims that the transfer of ownership was executed under coercive circumstances and forms part of the complex financial arrangements allegedly used to conceal beneficial ownership and channel illegal proceeds.
The ED is examining the role of various individuals and entities linked to the company in order to determine the extent of their involvement in the alleged laundering activities.
Cash Transportation Network Under Scanner
One of the newly accused, Probir Sharma, has been accused of physically transporting large volumes of cash on behalf of the syndicate.
Investigators allege that crores of rupees were moved through informal channels as part of efforts to facilitate illegal transactions and evade financial scrutiny.
The agency believes that such cash movements played a crucial role in maintaining the alleged network and distributing proceeds generated through unlawful activities.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the origins, movement, and ultimate beneficiaries of the cash transactions uncovered during the probe.
Expanding Scope of Investigation
The inclusion of additional accused indicates that the investigation is widening as enforcement authorities continue to gather evidence related to the alleged scam.
Officials stated that the probe has involved examination of financial records, company structures, property acquisitions, and banking transactions linked to individuals believed to have participated in or benefited from the alleged liquor syndicate.
The ED has already carried out multiple searches, seizures, arrests, and asset attachments during earlier phases of the investigation.
Assets Worth More Than ₹1,000 Crore Under Attachment
The latest provisional attachment orders represent one of the largest asset seizures in the case so far.
Officials stated that the attached properties include a range of assets allegedly acquired using proceeds generated from the purported liquor scam.
Under the PMLA framework, attached properties remain under legal restraint pending adjudication and further proceedings before the competent authorities and courts.
If the allegations are ultimately proven, the assets may become subject to confiscation under the provisions of the law.
Focus on Recovering Proceeds of Crime
The Enforcement Directorate has emphasized that identifying, tracing, and attaching assets derived from criminal activity remains a key objective of its anti-money laundering efforts.
By targeting properties and financial assets believed to be linked to illegal activities, the agency aims to prevent accused persons from benefiting from proceeds of crime while judicial proceedings continue.
Officials stated that the ongoing investigation is focused not only on identifying direct participants but also on uncovering the broader financial ecosystem that allegedly enabled the generation, concealment, and laundering of illicit funds.
Further Investigation Continues
The Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam investigation remains active, and officials have indicated that further action may follow as new evidence emerges.
The ED continues to examine additional financial transactions, business relationships, property holdings, and money trails connected to the case.
With the total number of accused now reaching 85, the investigation has become one of the most extensive money laundering probes undertaken in the state, involving multiple individuals, business entities, and high-value assets allegedly linked to the liquor trade.
Authorities have stated that further proceedings in the matter will continue before the Special PMLA Court, while the Enforcement Directorate pursues additional leads to identify all persons involved in the alleged financial irregularities.
