The Supreme Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to refrain from creating an atmosphere of fear after the Chhattisgarh Government informed the court that state excise department officials were being threatened by the ED in an attempt to implicate Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in a liquor irregularities case. The Chhattisgarh Government applied to be impleaded as a party in the ongoing petitions.
Representing the Chhattisgarh Government, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal stated that the ED was intimidating excise officers and described it as a shocking state of affairs. However, the Enforcement Directorate, represented by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, denied the allegations and asserted that they were investigating liquor irregularities.
The court urged the Enforcement Directorate not to create a fearful atmosphere for the excise officials, emphasizing that such behavior cast doubt on a bona fide cause. The Chhattisgarh Government’s application for impleadment in the petitions related to the Enforcement Directorate’s probe into the liquor scam revealed corruption between 2019 and 2022. The investigation uncovered bribery and policy changes that facilitated corruption in the liquor system, resulting in significant financial losses for the state and illegal proceeds of over ₹2000 crore.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted search operations in Raipur, Bhilai, and Mumbai, leading to the discovery of 53 acres of land worth ₹21.60 crores acquired by Anwar Dhebar, using the proceeds of crime. The searches also yielded cash, incriminating documents, and frozen investments. The Enforcement Directorate has been actively investigating money laundering and has seized assets, including jewelry and fixed deposits, from individuals involved in the liquor industry.
Additionally, the Chhattisgarh Government has previously challenged the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and alleged the misuse of investigating agencies against the non-BJP government in the state.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s directive to the Enforcement Directorate aims to curb the alleged intimidation of excise officials and ensure a fair investigation. The ongoing legal proceedings involve allegations of corruption in the liquor industry, resulting in financial losses for the state. The Chhattisgarh Government’s plea for impleadment and its challenge to the constitutional validity of PMLA provisions reflect the larger context of the case.
