Liquor 'scam': Bhilai bizman held in Delhi

Raipur: Bhilai businessman Vijay Bhatia was arrested in Delhi in connection with the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. Vijay Bhatia, a key accused and major beneficiary in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam, was arrested in Delhi.

Bhatia is alleged to have played a significant role in a large-scale commission collection from foreign liquor manufacturers and suppliers, causing substantial revenue loss to the state govt.

The arrest is in connection with a FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) under sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), and sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120B of the Indian Penal Code. Bhatia will be presented before a Raipur court. Additionally, the ACB is conducting search operations at eight locations in Bhilai and Durg, including Bhatia's residences and firms, as well as properties belonging to his associates. Further probe is underway.

Bhatia was previously under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during their investigation into the excise scam. His name continued to feature prominently in discussions when ACB began its probe.