THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, April 1: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, highlighting irregularities in the operation of liquor shops by Jharkhand State Beverage Corporation Limited (JSBCL).
In his letter, he pointed out that since 2022, JSBCL has been running liquor outlets across the state, with seven placement agencies providing around 4,500 personnel for their management.
Fraudulent Bank Guarantees in Manpower Selection
In 2022, JSBCL issued a tender for manpower supply, selecting seven agencies for the task. However, Marandi alleged that two agencies—Marson Innovative Security Private Limited and Vision Hospitality Service & Consultant Private Limited—secured contracts for Hazaribagh and Dhanbad by submitting fake bank guarantees.
Despite this fraud being brought to the attention of the departmental secretary, no action was taken against these agencies.
Evidence from Banks Confirms Fraud
The complainant provided documentary proof, including a letter from Punjab & Sind Bank’s Geeta Colony branch in New Delhi, dated January 31, 2024, informing JSBCL that the bank guarantee submitted by Vision Hospitality Service & Consultant Private Limited was fraudulent.
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Similarly, Bandhan Bank, Kolkata, informed JSBCL on March 2, 2024, that the bank guarantee of Marson Innovative Security Private Limited was also fake. Despite this, JSBCL neither investigated the matter nor initiated any action.
Officials Accused of Cover-Up
Instead of taking necessary action, officials allegedly covered up the fraud and allowed these agencies to continue operations. Marandi stated that such large-scale financial misconduct warranted an investigation, blacklisting of the agencies, and filing of an FIR.
However, even after receiving written confirmation of the fraud from the banks, neither JSBCL officials nor the departmental secretary took any steps, raising suspicions of favoritism.
Over ₹25 Crore Revenue Loss Ignored
Further compounding the issue, Marandi revealed that these two agencies failed to deposit over ₹25 crore from liquor sales into JSBCL accounts, a shortfall acknowledged by JSBCL itself. Yet, no FIR was filed, and the agencies were not blacklisted.
Marandi blamed the department for failing to act, despite clear evidence of financial mismanagement.
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Call for Investigation and Accountability
Marandi demanded a thorough investigation into the fraudulent agencies that have caused revenue losses to the state. He urged authorities to file an FIR, blacklist the agencies, and suspend the responsible officials to prevent future financial irregularities.
