Retired IAS Officer Niranjan Das Arrested in Major Liquor Scam by Chhattisgarh ACB/EOW

Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Sep 20, 2025 In a significant anti‐corruption breakthrough, the Chhattisgarh Anti­Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing (ACB/EOW) arrested retired IAS officer Niranjan Das for his alleged role in one of the state’s largest liquor-related scams. The case involves claims of manipulated tenders, unaccounted liquor sales, and misuse of departmental power, with Das accused of facilitating a network that benefitted from irregularities in the state’s excise system. Niranjan Das is said to have been instrumental in enabling firms to secure tenders under favourable conditions, including bypassing or altering eligibility norms. The investigation alleges that unaccounted liquor, not properly reflected in official records, was sold through state-run outlets. In addition, Das is accused of adjusting transfers and postings of excise department officers in order to favour certain businesses, and manipulating tender clauses to benefit specific bidders. Kickbacks and illicit financial gains are said to have flowed through this scheme. Alongside Das, two hotel-businessmen — Nitesh Purohit and Yash Purohit — have also been taken into custody in connection with the scam. Investigators assert that these businessmen were among those who benefited directly from the tender irregularities. They are now subject to judicial remand while further inquiry proceeds. The authorities have estimated that the scale of the scam involves multiple thousands of crores in unaccounted liquor sales and manipulated policy processes. Though the exact figure is still under investigation, officials say that the irregularities were systemic, possibly involving collusion with departmental insiders. The EOW has secured a remand of Das until September 25 to allow for detailed questioning and document seizure. This arrest comes against a backdrop of growing public anger over corruption in excise, licensing, and liquor trade policies. The Chhattisgarh government has faced criticism in recent years for perceived lapses in oversight of excise revenue and tender systems. The senior officers in the excise department are being scrutinized, and internal audits are expected to follow as the investigation deepens. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s administration has welcomed the arrest, promising no leniency for senior officials found culpable. The government has indicated that a comprehensive review of excise policy, tendering norms, and oversight mechanisms will be initiated to prevent similar scams. ACB/EOW officials said steps will be taken to tighten checks, implement transparent systems, and closely monitor large tenders, especially those related to liquor and other heavily regulated commodities. For citizens, the news delivers a mixed message: satisfaction that high-profile corruption is being addressed, but concern over how deeply entrenched the system of irregularities may be. As questions mount, many hope that justice will be swift and that the processes will be made fairer and more transparent going forward.