THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 30: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jharkhand has escalated its investigation into suspended IAS officer Vinay Kumar Chaubey, launching probes across three distinct cases. Previously known for his influential administrative role, Chaubey now faces scrutiny, with two investigations currently underway and a third pending official permission to commence.
Hazaribagh Khasmahal Land Scam
A significant irregularity has emerged in Hazaribagh district involving the illegal transfer of approximately 2.75 acres of Khasmahal land. Originally leased in 1948 to the Sevayat Trust for thirty years, the lease was extended until 2008. However, between 2008 and 2010, officials—allegedly including former District Collector Vinay Chaubey—reclassified the land as government property.
Chaubey is accused of conspiring with a Khasmahal officer to remove the trust’s name from the lease renewal application, thereby facilitating the distribution of the land to 23 private individuals. The ACB has forwarded its findings to the state government and recommended FIR registration against all implicated officials and beneficiaries.
Liquor Scam Intensifies After Singhania Interrogation
On May 20, the ACB arrested Chaubey alongside excise department Joint Commissioner Gajendra Singh, accusing them of orchestrating a ₹38 crore fraud through the selective empanelment of placement agencies, bypassing due procedure in liquor-shop contracts, leading to massive treasury losses
May 30 Interrogation
Chaubey and Singh were interrogated in depth at the ACB office in Ranchi, with even DGP Anurag Gupta overseeing proceedings. Chaubey was transferred from the RIMS hospital, with medical staff present during questioning
Singhania’s Bombshell
Chhattisgarh-based businessman Siddharth Singhania, arrested in Raipur and remanded on June 20, has sharply escalated the case. He allegedly named Chaubey as “the main centre of the scam,” claiming that Chaubey imported a Chhattisgarh-style liquor model into Jharkhand and received ₹40–50 crore in kickbacks via filer Arunpati Tripathi.
According to Singhania, placement agencies were rigged to handle manpower supply to liquor outlets, generating unauthorised revenue of ₹300–600 per carton sold.
Also Read: Palamu gears up to take over govt liquor shops from placement agencies
Disproportionate Assets Case
During its liquor investigation, the ACB uncovered indications of illicit wealth accumulation by Chaubey and his close associates. On 6 June, the state government approved a preliminary enquiry (PE) aimed at verifying these suspicions.
Initial findings revealed five properties linked to Chaubey’s relatives and three companies in his name. Further enquiries have alluded to sizeable investments and complex transactions. The ACB has submitted a report and is seeking official approval to escalate the PE into a full-scale, open investigation.
What Lies Ahead
- Hazaribagh land scam: FIR recommendation filed; awaiting government approval.
- Liquor scandal: With Chaubey, Singh and additional players in custody, the ACB is deep-diving into documents and the racket exposed by Singhania. Multiple remands and judicial reviews are pending.
- Disproportionate assets: PE approved; preliminary investigations have revealed Chaubey-linked properties and corporate entities.
Notably, Chaubey’s petition before the Jharkhand High Court to quash the liquor FIR was dismissed on June 12, preventing the vacating of his remand. The ACB was granted additional custody to pursue further questioning.
Political Aftermath
Opposition leaders, including former CMs Babulal Marandi and Raghubar Das, demanded a CBI probe, asserting that the investigation looks staged to shield “larger masterminds”. The BJP alleges the case is an orchestrated cover-up of deep-seated corruption.
The ACB’s latest actions signal a determined crackdown, with Singhania’s allegations anchoring Chaubey at the scheme’s epicentre. As legal battles and investigations widen, more high-profile names may soon emerge.
