Marandi targets govt of protecting liquor scam accused
Pioneer News Service, Ranchi
Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has leveled serious allegations regarding the state government’s role and modus operandi concerning the liquor scam.
Posting on his ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle, Marandi wrote that the Jharkhand liquor scam is not merely an act of corruption, but an organized economic crime perpetrated under the patronage of those in power. Through the collusion of inter-state liquor mafias—spanning Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand—and individuals close to the ruling establishment, the hard-earned money of the public has been brazenly looted. No matter how hard the ACB attempts to suppress this matter, the actions of the ED will not be halted. Central agencies are continuously peeling back the layers of this scam, and the truth is now gradually coming to light before the entire state.
Marandi stated that assets worth over ₹1,000 crore belonging to Chhattisgarh-based liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar have already been seized by the ED; these assets are alleged to have been amassed through this very liquor syndicate. It is no secret that Anwar Dhebar, by establishing access to the highest echelons of power through Vinay Choubey, orchestrated the entire script of the liquor scam in Jharkhand. Despite my repeated protests and warnings, the Hemant Soren government altered the liquor policy to benefit the liquor mafias, thereby inflicting a loss of thousands of crores of rupees upon the people of Jharkhand.
He asserted that this scam is not merely a looting of money, but a betrayal of Jharkhand’s future. Funds intended for the development of the poor, employment for the youth, and the state’s basic infrastructural needs were instead channeled into the pockets of the liquor mafias. Every individual involved in this racket—operating under the patronage of the ruling power—will now be brought within the ambit of the law.
