Jharkhand liquor scam: ACB summons former Excise Commissioner, two other officials on August 4
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, July 29: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jharkhand, has summoned three former senior officials to appear before it…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 29: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jharkhand, has summoned three former senior officials to appear before it on August 4 as part of its ongoing investigation into the state’s excise policy, liquor supply system and the functioning of the Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL), according to a press communiqué issued by the Jharkhand government.
The officials summoned are former Excise Commissioner Amit Prakash, former Joint Commissioner of the Excise Department Gajendra Singh, and former General Manager (Finance) of JSBCL Sudhir Kumar Das.
According to the government communiqué, the three officials have been asked to appear before the ACB to provide clarifications based on their previously recorded statements and documents collected during the course of the investigation.
The communiqué stated that statements recorded earlier are being cross-verified with available evidence and that individuals are being recalled whenever further verification or clarification is required.
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Tender process and financial records under scrutiny
The government said the ACB is examining all aspects of the tender process, including tender conditions, subsequent modifications, the roles of officials and participating entities, and the procedures followed during the award and execution of contracts.
According to the communiqué, investigators are also scrutinising records relating to bank guarantees, payments, revenue collection and other financial obligations to ascertain whether any procedural lapses resulted in a loss of government revenue.
Probe covers liquor supply and revenue collection
The communiqué said the investigation also encompasses the liquor supply system, shop accounts, cash collections, bank deposits, audit records and revenue collection.
It added that records of official meetings, directions issued by the concerned authorities and compliance with those directives are also being examined.
Investigation to remain evidence-based
According to the government communiqué, the ACB is cross-verifying previously recorded statements with correspondence, tender documents, minutes of meetings, financial records and other documentary evidence.
The communiqué said individuals will continue to be summoned whenever investigators require further clarification during the course of the probe.
Emphasising the nature of the inquiry, the government said the ACB is conducting the investigation in an impartial, objective and evidence-based manner. It added that any conclusion regarding the role of an individual would be drawn only after a comprehensive examination of documents, statements and other evidence.
According to the communiqué, the Bureau’s objective is to independently examine every aspect of the case to establish the facts while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the investigation.
