Political Battle Intensifies As Marandi Raises Liquor Scam Allegations In Jharkhand

Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, has approached the Jharkhand High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged liquor scam in the state. Through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Marandi has questioned the pace of the ongoing investigation and demanded an independent inquiry to ensure a fair and time-bound probe. In his petition, Marandi alleged that the investigation into the case has been marked by significant delays and raised concerns over the effectiveness of the existing inquiry. He pointed out that despite the passage of several months, the investigating agency has not filed a chargesheet before the competent court.

Marandi argued that the prolonged delay has affected the credibility of the investigation and claimed that an independent agency like the CBI would be better placed to conduct an impartial examination of the allegations. He urged the court to direct a CBI inquiry to ensure that all aspects of the alleged irregularities are thoroughly investigated. The PIL states that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered an FIR in 2025 in connection with the alleged liquor scam and arrested several accused persons during the course of the investigation. However, according to the petition, the failure of the agency to submit a chargesheet within the prescribed legal period resulted in some accused obtaining default bail.

Marandi’s petition also highlighted that names of several influential individuals have emerged during the investigation. It specifically mentioned suspended IAS officer Vinay Chaubey among those whose names have reportedly surfaced in connection with the case. According to the PIL, more than 14 months have passed since the registration of the FIR, but the investigation remains incomplete. Marandi claimed that the slow progress of the probe has created doubts regarding whether the matter is being investigated effectively and whether all those allegedly involved will be held accountable.

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The petition also raised questions over the Jharkhand government’s excise policy introduced in 2022. Marandi alleged that the policy was based on the liquor policy implemented in neighbouring Chhattisgarh and claimed that its adoption and execution are central to the alleged irregularities. The opposition leader argued that the nature of the allegations requires a detailed and independent investigation into the policy decisions, administrative actions and financial aspects associated with the liquor trade in the state. The alleged liquor scam has become a major political issue in Jharkhand, with the opposition targeting the state government over the handling of the investigation.

The ruling administration has previously faced criticism from opposition parties over allegations of corruption and governance-related issues. The Jharkhand High Court is expected to examine the PIL and decide on the next course of action. The court’s response will determine whether the matter remains with the existing investigating agency or is transferred to the CBI for further inquiry. Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged liquor scam continues, with authorities examining documents, financial transactions and the role of individuals linked to the case. Further developments are expected as the legal proceedings move forward and the court considers Marandi’s plea for an independent probe.

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