In a significant development in Jharkhand's multi-crore liquor scandal, a senior bureaucrat has officially recorded his statement before a judicial magistrate. The case, which involves alleged financial irregularities of Rs 38 crore, is seeing increased scrutiny from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Senior IAS Officer's Judicial Statement
Karn Satyarthi, the District Collector (DC) of East Singhbhum, presented himself at the Ranchi court on Tuesday. His statement was formally recorded by the judicial magistrate in connection with the sprawling liquor scam that has rocked the state administration. Official sources confirmed that this procedure was carried out under the provisions of Section 183 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
This appearance marks a crucial step in the legal process, as Satyarthi had previously been questioned by the ACB regarding the case. He becomes the second IAS officer within two days to have his statement officially recorded, following his colleague Amit Kumar.
The Core of the Liquor Scam Allegations
The investigation centers on serious allegations of fraud involving retail liquor shop operations. The case is specifically related to fake bank guarantees submitted by human resource agencies working for two companies: Vision Hospitality and Marshan Innovative.
These agencies allegedly provided fraudulent financial guarantees to secure licenses for running retail liquor outlets across Jharkhand. A major point of contention for investigators is the apparent lack of timely action against these agencies despite the submission of dubious documents, leading to a potential revenue loss estimated at Rs 38 crore for the state.
Parallel Investigation into Disproportionate Assets
In a related development that underscores the widening scope of the probe, the ACB on Tuesday also interrogated Sanchita, the wife of suspended IAS officer Vinay Choubey. This questioning is part of a separate but potentially linked investigation into a disproportionate assets case.
The ACB has registered a formal case against Choubey, his wife, and several other individuals. As part of this assets probe, investigators have taken the strong step of seizing two of Sanchita's bank lockers, suggesting a focus on uncovering unexplained wealth and valuables.
The simultaneous progress in these two cases—the liquor scam and the assets case—points to a concerted effort by anti-corruption authorities to address allegations of malpractice within the state's administrative machinery. The recording of statements from senior officers indicates the investigation is moving into a decisive phase.
