Jamshedpur DC Karn Satyarthi questioned in Jharkhand Liquor Scam

Jamshedpur: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has intensified its investigation into the multi-crore liquor scam in Jharkhand. As part of the ongoing probe, the ACB on Monday interrogated Jamshedpur Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi, who earlier served as the state’s Excise Commissioner.

According to sources, the ACB sought detailed information from Satyarthi regarding several critical aspects of the case. Investigators focused on the actions he had taken against placement agencies during his tenure as Excise Commissioner, particularly those found involved in alleged irregularities. The ACB questioned whether any inquiry was conducted into the bank guarantees submitted by these agencies, and if not, the reasons behind the lapse.

The liquor scam pertains to major irregularities in the sale and revenue collection of liquor across Jharkhand. Two agencies—Ms Vision Hospitality and Marshon Innovative—are at the centre of the investigation. Both manpower supply agencies allegedly submitted fake bank guarantees exceeding five crore rupees each. Additionally, the agencies failed to deposit significant sums collected from consumers after liquor sales into the government’s account.

This investigation has brought several senior officials of the Excise Department under scrutiny. Former department secretaries Vinay Chaubey and Amit Prakash were earlier arrested in connection with the scam and are currently out on bail. The ACB has also questioned former Excise Department Secretaries Manoj Kumar and Mukesh Kumar, as well as former Excise Commissioner Faiz Ak Ahmed.

With Monday’s questioning of Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi, the investigation appears to be entering a more intensive phase, as the ACB works toward establishing a clear chain of accountability in the liquor scam.