The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel of being involved in a liquor scam worth over Rs 2,161 crore. According to the BJP, the scam was carried out with the connivance and blessings of Baghel. Ravi Shankar Prasad, a senior BJP leader, alleged that the mastermind behind the robbery was Anwar Dhebar, the brother of Congress leader and Raipur mayor, Ejaz Dhebar, who is known to be close to Baghel.
Prasad claimed that Anwar Dhebar and certain IAS officers posted their men at 800 outlets managed by the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited. These individuals allegedly produced fake holograms and sold illegal country and foreign liquor. The probe agency investigating the case found that Anwar Dhebar kept 15% of the commission for himself, while the remaining amount went to politicians in power. Prasad stated that the state excise department had been looted of more than Rs 2,161 crore.
The BJP leader criticized opposition parties, asserting that making money illegally through the liquor business has become a new model for parties in power. Prasad highlighted the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia on similar charges and emphasized the seriousness of the issue.
The BJP’s accusations against the Congress come in the wake of the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint, which stated that corruption money amounting to Rs 2,161 crore was generated in the alleged liquor scam that began in 2019. The agency claimed that the syndicate involved senior bureaucrats, politicians, their associates, and excise department officials. This substantial amount should have gone to the state exchequer, according to the Enforcement Directorate.
When questioned about the chances of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill during the monsoon session, Prasad highlighted that it has been a part of the ruling party’s manifesto and reassured that the process is ongoing. He advised waiting for its outcome.
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