Jamshedpur: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has once again issued a summons to IAS officer and East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner (DC) Karn Satyarthi in connection with the ongoing liquor scam investigation. Mr Satyarthi, an IAS officer of 2016 batch, had failed to appear on Thursday for questioning, citing a three-day leave.
The ACB had initially issued a notice on Tuesday, summoning him for Thursday. The agency has now set a new date and directed him to appear on Monday, February 24.
Background: Role in Liquor Scam
Karn Satyarthi, who previously served as Excise Commissioner, is being questioned in the scam that allegedly caused a revenue loss of around Rs 38 crore to the state government. The case revolves around the submission of fake bank guarantees by some placement agencies selected to operate retail liquor shops in the state.
Other Officers Questioned
The ACB has previously interrogated several IAS officers associated with the excise department, including-
- Ramgarh DC Faiz Ak Ahmed, questioned on Monday
- Manoj Kumar and Mukesh Kumar, former secretaries of the excise department, questioned on October 10
- Vinay Chaubey and other officers, who were arrested but later granted bail
The questioning of Satyarthi is part of the ACB’s broader investigation into the scam and the alleged irregularities in liquor licensing.
Next Steps
The agency’s directive to appear on February 24 underscores its continuing probe into officials who were in key positions during the period of alleged misconduct. Authorities are monitoring compliance closely, and further questioning of officers is expected as the investigation progresses.
