On July 1, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Raipur arrested Arvind Singh and Trilok Singh Dhillon under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Their arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. The Special Court (PMLA) in Raipur has granted ED custody of the accused until July 6, 2024.
Investigation Origins and Revelations
The ED’s investigation commenced based on an FIR registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Chhattisgarh. The FIR cited various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Trilok Singh Dhillon emerged as a primary beneficiary of the illicit proceeds, using his bank accounts for money laundering under the guise of unsecured loans and bogus business transactions.
Methods of Corruption Uncovered
The ED’s probe revealed a multifaceted scam running from 2019 to 2022, resulting in substantial financial losses for the state. Key methods of corruption included:
PART-A Commission: Bribes from distillers for each case of liquor procured by the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL).
PART-B Kacha Liquor Sale: Unaccounted sale of off-the-books country liquor with proceeds pocketed by the syndicate.
PART-C Commission: Bribes for allowing distillers to form a cartel and secure fixed market shares.
FL-10A License Holders: Commissions from license holders in the foreign liquor segment.
Roles of the Accused and Financial Impact
Arvind Singh played a pivotal role in the liquor syndicate, acting as the right-hand man of Anwar Dhebar. He facilitated the supply of duplicate holograms, collection of cash, and unbilled liquor sales, amassing significant illicit gains. The ED has attached numerous properties, including 33 belonging to Arvind Singh worth Rs 12.99 crore and 9 to Trilok Singh Dhillon worth Rs 28.13 crore. The scam resulted in a Rs 2100 crore loss to the state exchequer, enriching the syndicate’s beneficiaries.
