Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Suspended IAS officer Vinay Kumar Chaubey continues to face mounting legal troubles as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered five FIRs against him within six months—four pertaining to corruption and one involving cheating. Arrested on May 20 in the liquor scam, Chaubey has remained in jail and his chances of release are diminishing with fresh cases being filed.
Liquor Scam Allegations and Financial Loss to the State
As former Secretary of the Excise and Prohibition Department, Chaubey is alleged to have violated norms to select placement agencies and provided them undue benefits. The scam caused an estimated loss of ₹38 crore to the Jharkhand government. Although several co-accused secured bail due to failure to file the chargesheet within 90 days, Chaubey remained in custody after being shown arrested in another FIR during that period.
Khazmahal Land Scam and Illegal Registrations
In August 2025, the ACB filed an FIR in the Hazaribagh Khazmahal land scam claiming that Chaubey, as Hazaribagh DC (2008–2010), illegally transferred 2.75 acres of government land to 23 individuals through fraudulent registration. Investigators allege a conspiracy involving government officials, relatives, and close business associate Vinay Singh. Multiple accused in this case have already been arrested.
Forest Land Scam Connected to Same Tenure
A separate FIR filed in September 2025 accuses Chaubey of conspiring with businessman Vinay Singh and his wife Snigdha Singh to illegally register forest land in 2010. The disputed plots include 28 decimals in Khata No. 95 and 72 decimals in Khata No. 73 in Babhanwe Mauza. Chaubey has also been arrested in this case.
Disproportionate Assets Case Expands Investigation
On November 24, 2025, another case was filed against Chaubey for allegedly acquiring assets disproportionate to his known income. The FIR also names his family members and associates. The ACB is preparing to arrest him in this case as well.
Cheating and Illegal Takeover of Company Allegations
The fifth case, lodged at Jagannathpur police station, accuses Chaubey and associates of cheating and forcibly taking control of a business firm. Complainant Deepak Kumar alleges that Chaubey and Vinay Singh illegally seized his company and implicated him in false criminal cases to remove him.
