Raipur: In a landmark move signaling the Chhattisgarh government’s toughest stance yet on corruption, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered the immediate suspension of 22 Excise Department officials implicated in the massive ₹3,200 crore liquor scam. The suspended officials are among 29 named accused, many of whom are alleged to have amassed assets worth ₹88 crore through corrupt means during 2019–2023.
This sweeping action is being hailed as one of the largest state-level anti-corruption crackdowns in India, sending a strong message of zero tolerance toward graft and administrative malpractice.
EOW-ACB Probe Exposes Multi-Crore Liquor Syndicate
The crackdown follows an extensive investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which uncovered a deeply entrenched syndicate operating within the Excise Department under the previous government. According to the fifth supplementary chargesheet filed on July 7, the agencies have submitted a 138-page summary, over 2,100 supporting documents, and a list of 227 witnesses.
Of the 29 accused officials-
- 1 has passed away
- 7 have retired
- 22 have now been suspended
Officers Suspended Include Senior Excise Officials
Among those suspended are key figures including Excise Deputy Commissioner Animesh Netam, Arvind Kumar Patle, Neetu Notani, and Nohar Singh Thakur. Assistant Commissioners like Pramod Kumar Netam, Vikas Kumar Goswami, and others have also faced suspension. Additionally, several District Excise Officers, such as Mohit Kumar Jaiswal and Garibpal Singh Dardi, are part of the action.
These officers were directly linked to manipulation and corruption in liquor licensing and distribution, allowing the syndicate to thrive and amass illicit wealth.
List of Suspended Officials Includes Top Excise Officers
Key suspended officials include-
Deputy Commissioners: Animesh Netam, Arvind Kumar Patle, Neetu Notani, Nohar Singh Thakur, Vijay Sen Sharma
Assistant Commissioners: Pramod Kumar Netam, Vikas Kumar Goswami, Naveen Pratap Singh Tomar, Rajesh Jaiswal, Manjushree Kaser, Dinkar Vasnik, Ashish Kosam, Saurabh Bakshi, Prakash Pal, Ramkrishna Mishra, Alakh Ram Kaser, Sonal Netam
District Excise Officers: Mohit Kumar Jaiswal, Gareebpal Singh Dardi, Iqbal Ahmad Khan, Janardan Singh Kaurav, Nitin Kumar Khanduja
Probes Widen into Other Major Scams
The liquor scam is just one among several major investigations under CM Sai’s administration. The DMF scam, Mahadev betting app case, and the tendu leaf procurement scam are also under active probe. Notably, the PSC-2021 exam scam has already led to the arrest of the former Commission Chairman after the case was handed over to the CBI.
The government is also scrutinizing the Bharatmala project and CGMSC irregularities, with suspensions already initiated against multiple senior officers, including from the IAS and IFS cadres.
Administrative Reforms Backed by Strong Tech-Driven Governance
CM Sai’s approach isn’t limited to punitive action; it also includes systemic reform–
- Mandatory GeM portal procurement
- Rollout of e-Office system
- Over 350 administrative reforms
- FL-10 policy abolition in Excise
- Digital mineral transit pass system
- Timber e-auction platform
- Mandatory holograms from Nashik Press to combat liquor fraud
- Single Window System 2.0 for faster NOCs
Read also: Chhattisgarh CM Unveils Lord Buddha Statue in Mainpat, Announces Rs30 Lakh for Local Development
Creation of a Department of Good Governance and Convergence
These reforms are designed to enhance transparency, reduce human discretion, and build a corruption-free investment climate in Chhattisgarh.
CM Sai: “No Guilty Will Be Spared”
In a clear and uncompromising message, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated, “The scam occurred under the previous regime, and not a single guilty person will be spared. We are committed to delivering transparent, accountable, and honest governance to the people.”
He reiterated that there will be no compromise when it comes to corruption, regardless of rank or cadre.
