ED summons Rameshwar Oraon, son in liquor scam probe

Pioneer News Service
Ranchi

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the alleged Jharkhand liquor scam by issuing summons to former Finance Minister and Congress MLA from Lohardaga, Rameshwar Oraon, his son Rohit Oraon, and retired Excise Commissioner Amit Prakash for questioning.

The agency has directed the three to appear before investigators along with several key documents related to the case. According to sources, the ED suspects the involvement of Rameshwar Oraon and his son in the alleged scam. Investigators are examining the alleged role of Rohit Oraon in facilitating the entry of certain Chhattisgarh-based companies into Jharkhand’s liquor trade.

The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR No. 10/2025) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after taking over investigation of ACB Case No. 9/2025, which was originally registered by the Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The agency has now accelerated its probe, which began last year, and has already questioned several accused currently lodged in judicial custody.

The alleged liquor scam is linked to Jharkhand’s 2022 excise policy. The ACB has already arrested several senior IAS officers in connection with the case. Retired Excise Commissioner Amit Prakash and other officials have been accused of procedural irregularities that allegedly caused financial losses worth crores of rupees to the state exchequer.

The ED is now investigating the suspected money laundering aspects of the case, including the movement of funds and the involvement of individuals allegedly linked to the implementation of the excise policy. There has been no official response so far from either Rameshwar Oraon or his son regarding the ED summons or the allegations under investigation.