Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Political tensions escalated on Wednesday after BJP State President and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi alleged that the Jharkhand government is attempting to save itself by sacrificing officials in the liquor scam. He claimed the scam has now exceeded ₹136 crore, with investigation findings revealing successive increases in the estimated loss.
Marandi Says Government Trying to “Hide the Real Culprits”
Marandi said the liquor scam figures rising from ₹38 crore to ₹70 crore and now ₹136 crore clearly indicate a deliberate attempt to conceal the extent of wrongdoing. He accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren of preparing to blame newly posted officials to escape accountability, asserting that the “real masterminds” remain protected at the top.
According to Marandi, before tenders were even published, the government handed over liquor supply operations to a specific company. He said this violated rules requiring a formal agreement with JSBCL prior to beginning supply, and that no contract or tender process was completed before work was allotted.
Allegations of Illegal Favouritism and Massive Revenue Loss
The BJP leader stated that the ACB probe has established that government losses reached ₹136 crore due to irregularities linked to the chosen company. He argued that such a large-scale breach of procedure was only possible through high-level patronage.
Marandi further criticized the current administration, remarking that its guiding principle appears to be “loot wherever and however possible.” He added that regardless of ACB’s progress, central agencies will ultimately conduct an independent investigation into the scam.
