In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its conclusive prosecution complaint, akin to a chargesheet, in the high-profile Chhattisgarh liquor policy case. This final legal document significantly expands the scope of the probe by naming 59 additional individuals and entities as accused.
Timeline and Allegations of the Scam
According to the federal investigation agency, the alleged liquor "scam" was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022. This period coincides with the tenure of the Chhattisgarh state government led by former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel of the Congress party. The ED's complaint outlines a systematic manipulation of the state's liquor policy, leading to alleged large-scale financial irregularities and loss of state revenue.
Expanding Net of Accused
The filing of this final prosecution complaint marks a critical juncture in the investigation. By adding 59 more names to the list of accused, the ED suggests it has gathered substantial evidence against a wider network allegedly involved in the scandal. While the specific identities of the newly named accused are detailed in the court documents, the move indicates the probe has moved beyond initial suspects to encompass a broader alleged conspiracy.
Legal and Political Ramifications
This development is poised to have serious legal consequences for those named and significant political reverberations in Chhattisgarh. The case has been a point of intense political debate, with the ruling BJP at the center often targeting the previous Congress administration over allegations of corruption. The ED's final complaint will now be examined by a special court, paving the way for a potential trial.
The agency's action underscores its focus on alleged financial crimes during the previous government's term. It brings to the forefront issues of governance and policy implementation, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle. The coming months will be crucial as the judicial process takes over to determine the culpability of the accused based on the evidence presented by the Enforcement Directorate.
