The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jharkhand has apprehended Naveen Kedia, a crucial figure in the liquor scandal, in Goa. Kedia, originally from Durg district in Chhattisgarh, had been evading authorities for a significant period. The ACB is currently arranging his transfer to Ranchi on transit remand for subsequent court proceedings.
Investigators from the ACB intend to extensively interrogate Kedia regarding his alleged involvement in the illicit activities. Despite being summoned earlier for questioning, Kedia failed to comply and subsequently sought anticipatory bail, which was denied. Consequently, he resorted to hiding to evade the authorities.
After diligent surveillance utilizing both technical and human resources, the ACB successfully located and apprehended Kedia in Goa. The investigations have unveiled intricate connections between the Jharkhand liquor scam and liquor traders situated in Chhattisgarh. The scandal’s roots in Jharkhand were initially exposed following the recovery of a diary from businessman Siddharth Singhania’s residence during a probe by the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau.
The recovered diary purportedly contained information about a syndicate established to oversee the liquor trade in Jharkhand, including strategies to overcome obstacles. Moreover, the ACB discovered that seven placement agencies, contracted by the Jharkhand government for liquor shop operations, and manpower supply, significantly breached tender conditions by submitting counterfeit bank guarantees. An internal audit by the Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited estimated a loss of around Rs 129.55 crore due to the fraudulent practices of these seven companies, contributing to a total scam amount exceeding Rs 150 crore.
Several individuals, including senior IAS officer Vinay Kumar Chaubey, retired IAS officer Amit Prakash, and others, were previously arrested in connection with the case. However, most of the accused were granted bail as the charge sheet was not filed within the stipulated timeframe.
