ED Arrests Ex-CM’s Aide In Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam

Raipur: Soumya Chaurasia, assistant secretary Soumya Chaurasia, assistant secretary Soumya Chaurasia, deputy secretary, assistant secretary to former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged liquor scam that took place between 2019-2022.

Sources in the central investigation agency said his arrest took place on Tuesday afternoon after he was questioned by the ED about the incident.

ED sources said the ED placed him under Special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) on Wednesday, which sent him to two-day remand.

ED alleged that Chaurasia played a key role in managing transactions from the alleged Rs 3,200-crore liquor scam.

The ED had identified him as the fraud network coordinator in the liquor scandal that took place when Mr. Baghel was chief minister of Chhattisgarh.

The ED investigation stated that a WhatsApp group called ‘Big Boss’ was set up by liquor cartel members to carry out the alleged blackmail.

Chaurasia was earlier arrested on December 2, 2022, in connection with the coal tax scam, which involved illegal receipt of coal transported in the state.

He remained in prison for two and a half years and was released on bail granted by the high court six months ago.

He is also accused of district mining fund (DMF) fraud in the state.