The Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, as part of an investigation into an alleged liquor scam involving money laundering.
The ED’s operation encompassed approximately 14-15 premises across Chhattisgarh, including the Bhilai residence shared by Chaitanya and Bhupesh Baghel. The agency suspects Chaitanya Baghel of being a recipient of proceeds from the purported liquor scam, which allegedly caused significant losses to the state exchequer.
The alleged scam, under scrutiny by the ED, reportedly operated between 2019 and 2022, during Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as Chief Minister. Investigations suggest the existence of a liquor syndicate that siphoned off over ₹2,100 crore through corrupt practices. The modus operandi purportedly involved a parallel excise system, where unaccounted liquor was sold via government-run outlets without proper documentation, diverting substantial revenue away from the state.
The ED’s probe has led to several arrests, including former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, Anwar Dhebar , former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, and Indian Telecom Service officer Arunpati Tripathi. These individuals are alleged to have played significant roles in the orchestration of the liquor scam.
In response to the raids, Bhupesh Baghel’s office issued a statement condemning the ED’s actions, suggesting that the timing and nature of the raids are politically motivated. Baghel has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged scam, labeling the allegations as baseless and an attempt to tarnish his political image.
The Congress party has echoed Baghel’s sentiments, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of misusing central agencies to target political opponents. Congress legislators disrupted proceedings in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, raising slogans against the BJP and alleging that democracy was being undermined through such actions.
Conversely, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao defended the ED’s actions, asserting that if individuals have no involvement in the scam, they should not fear the investigation. He emphasized that the ED’s actions are based on evidence gathered over a prolonged period and are not sudden or arbitrary.
The ED’s investigation has uncovered a complex network allegedly involving senior bureaucrats, politicians, and officials from the Excise Department. This syndicate is accused of operating a parallel excise system, wherein unaccounted liquor was sold through government-run outlets without proper documentation, thereby diverting substantial revenue away from the state.
The agency has attached properties worth approximately ₹205.49 crore linked to various accused individuals, including businessmen and former bureaucrats. The ED’s ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the alleged syndicate and recover the diverted funds to mitigate the financial damage inflicted upon the state.
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