New Delhi [India], January 24 (HBTV): The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Saumya Chaurasia, former deputy secretary to ex-Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, the agency said on Friday.
According to the Enforcement Directorate, its Raipur zonal office arrested Chaurasia on December 16. She was subsequently produced before a special PMLA court in Raipur, which granted the agency three days of custody till December 19. The ED said its investigation revealed that Chaurasia allegedly received proceeds of crime amounting to approximately INR 115.5 crore.
The agency said evidence collected in the form of digital records, seized material and written statements indicates that Chaurasia was an active accomplice of the liquor syndicate.
‘Digital evidence confirms Saumya Chaurasia’s 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 reveal her involvement in the initial organisation of the syndicate, including assistance in placing Arun Pati Tripathi and Niranjan Das in crucial positions within the Excise Department,’ the ED said in a statement.
Earlier, the ED had arrested former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Arvind Singh, Trilok Singh Dhillon, Anwar Dhebar, former excise department officer Arun Pati Tripathi, Kawasi Lakhma, who was the Excise Minister of Chhattisgarh at the time, and Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in the case.
The ED initiated the investigation based on a First Information Report registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Economic Offences Wing of Chhattisgarh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to the police investigation, the Chhattisgarh liquor scam caused a massive loss to the state exchequer and generated more than INR 2,500 crore in proceeds of crime, which were allegedly used to enrich the beneficiaries through scheduled offences.
(ANI)