Retired IAS Officer Anil Tuteja Arrested in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Investigation

Overview of the Arrest
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. Official sources confirmed the arrest on Sunday.

Details of the Investigation
Tuteja, a 2003 batch officer, was detained at the Economic Offences Wing (EOW)/Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) office in Raipur on Saturday. He and his son, Yash Tuteja, were present to provide statements related to the ongoing investigation when the arrest occurred.

Following the detention, Tuteja was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He is expected to be presented before a magistrate to request his remand.

Background of the Case
The retired officer’s arrest comes after the Supreme Court quashed a previous FIR filed by the ED, which was based on a complaint from the Income Tax Department. The ED has since opened a new money laundering case in the alleged liquor scam, after the state EOW/ACB registered a fresh FIR in response to the investigation.

Allegations of Corruption
The ED alleges that money was “illegally” collected from every bottle of liquor sold in Chhattisgarh, amounting to approximately ₹2,000 crore in corruption linked to an alcohol syndicate. This syndicate is reportedly led by Anwar Dhebar, the elder brother of Raipur Mayor Anwar Dhebar.