New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Raipur Zonal Office, on Friday said that they have arrested Saumya Chaurasia on December 16 in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam case.
An ED official said Chaurasia was produced before a Special PMLA Court in Raipur, which remanded her in ED custody for three days.
The ED initiated an investigation on an FIR registered by ACB-EOW, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, under various sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Police investigation has revealed that the Chhattisgarh liquor scam caused a massive loss to the state exchequer and generated more than Rs 2,500 crore of proceeds of crime (POC), enriching the beneficiaries through scheduled offences.
ED investigation revealed that Saumya Chaurasia received POC worth approximately Rs 115.5 crore. Evidence collected in the form of digital records, seized material, and written statements established that Saumya Chaurasia was an active accomplice of the liquor syndicate, ED probe revealed.
Digital evidence confirms her role as the central coordinating figure and intermediary between key members of the syndicate, including Anil Tuteja and Chaitanya Baghel, thereby facilitating the generation and laundering of illicit funds.
Recovered chats also revealed her involvement in the initial organization of the syndicate, including assistance in placing Arun Pati Tripathi and Niranjan Das in crucial positions within the Excise Department.
Earlier, Anil Tuteja (Ex-IAS); Arvind Singh, Trilok Singh Dhillon, Anwar Dhebar, Arun Pati Tripathi (ITS), Kawasi Lakhma (MLA and then Excise Minister of Chhattisgarh), and Chaitanya Baghel (son of Ex-CM) were arrested by the ED in the matter.
