In a significant move against institutional corruption, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Raipur has issued three Provisional Attachment Orders (PAOs) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached properties, valued at Rs 200 crore, are estimated to have a market worth exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, directly linked to the Chhattisgarh liquor scam.
The ED’s investigation, stemming from an FIR by the state’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), uncovered a syndicate operating between 2019 and 2023. Allegedly led by Anwar Dhebar and retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, the syndicate collaborated with senior state officials, distillery owners, and private entities.
Through manipulation of the state’s excise system, manufacturing illegal liquor, and exploiting FL-10A licenses, the cartel reportedly amassed over Rs 2,883 crore in illicit gains. The first attachment order targets assets of Anwar Dhebar and Vikas Agrawal, focusing on properties worth Rs 30 crore, including plots in Raipur and land parcels held through benami entities.
The second order concerns Hotel Westinn Goa, acquired for Rs 110 crore from scam proceeds. The third order freezes assets worth Rs 51 crore belonging to FL-10A license-holder companies coerced into sharing profits with the syndicate. Additionally, the ED filed a chargesheet naming four new accused, bringing the total individuals implicated in the case to 85.
