he Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) of Chhattisgarh Police have arrested businessman Vijay Bhatia in New Delhi for his alleged role in a massive liquor scam that reportedly led to over Rs2,100 crore in illicit profits.
Bhatia was brought before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Raipur on Sunday, where he was remanded to ACB/EOW custody for one day. Officials say he facilitated illegal benefits by earning high commissions from foreign liquor manufacturers and suppliers, causing significant revenue losses to the state exchequer.
According to ACB/EOW sources, the scam took place between 2019 and 2022 during the tenure of the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh.
The businessman is facing charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He is scheduled to appear before a special ACB/EOW court on Monday for an extension of his custodial remand.
The authorities also conducted coordinated raids at eight properties in Durg and Bhilai, linked to Bhatia and his associates. These searches led to the seizure of key documents, digital devices, and investment-related materials.
Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with an in-depth analysis of the seized materials underway. The Enforcement Directorate has previously stated that the liquor syndicate siphoned off over Rs2,100 crore through fraudulent activities.
