Marandi flags ACB lapses, seeks CBI probe into ₹750 crore Jharkhand liquor scam
Ranchi, March 31: Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, has written to Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar seeking immediate…
Ranchi, March 31: Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, has written to Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar seeking immediate intervention in the alleged ₹750 crore liquor scam, urging that the probe be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Marandi, who met the governor today, alleged serious lapses and “suspicious conduct” by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), claiming that the agency failed to file charge sheets within the statutory time frame, allowing several accused to secure default bail. He urged the governor to direct the ACB to immediately file chargesheets and recommend a CBI inquiry into the case.
Allegations Against ACB
Marandi claimed that instead of conducting an impartial investigation, the ACB appeared to be protecting those involved. He alleged that the agency deliberately delayed filing chargesheets, compromising evidence and statutory procedures.
According to him, despite more than eight months passing since the key arrests, no chargesheet has been filed. As a result, 14 out of 17 accused have reportedly been granted default bail.
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Details of Arrests and Bail
The ACB had arrested several officials and individuals in connection with the case in 2025, including then Excise Secretary Vinay Kumar Choubey and Joint Excise Commissioner Gajendra Singh on May 20, followed by other officials linked to the Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL).
Marandi pointed out that Gajendra Singh secured bail within 56 days, while Choubey was granted default bail on August 19, 2025, due to the failure to file a chargesheet within 90 days. The other accused also received similar relief soon after.
Scam Magnitude and Policy Changes
The Opposition leader alleged that changes made to the state’s excise policy in 2022 benefited a particular syndicate, leading to heavy losses for the state exchequer. He claimed that the scam, initially pegged at ₹38 crore, has now expanded to over ₹750 crore.
Concerns Over Investigation
Marandi also cited the case of a liquor businessman, Naveen Kedia, who allegedly absconded after being granted transit bail, questioning the effectiveness of the investigation.
He alleged that there was a concerted attempt to “shield the accused and suppress the scam,” and said public confidence in the investigation had been severely eroded.
Demand for CBI Probe
Calling the matter a “premeditated economic offence,” Marandi urged the governor to step in as the constitutional head of the state. He requested immediate directions to the ACB to file chargesheets and recommended transferring the entire investigation to the CBI to ensure accountability and restore public trust.
