The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out searches at multiple locations linked to Chaitanya Baghel’s involvement in an alleged liquor scam. Chaitanya is the son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel. The ED officials confirmed that raids were conducted at 14 different locations in Durg district. This includes the residences of Bhupesh Baghel and Chaitanya Baghel, along with other individuals associated with the case.
According to ED sources, Chaitanya Baghel is suspected to have received proceeds of crime generated from the alleged scam. The agency has been investigating a money laundering case linked to the illicit sale of liquor in the state.
ED sources told India Today, “During the investigation, we have uncovered some evidence that links Chaitanya Baghel to the scam. Based on the existing evidence, we are conducting these searches”.
A Parallel Liquor Syndicate
Investigations in the matter revealed a network allegedly involving senior bureaucrats, politicians, and Excise Department officials. The people associated with the network are accused of running a parallel liquor system. They allegedly sell unaccounted liquor through government-run outlets using duplicate holograms and bottles. This system diverted revenue away from the state, causing a financial loss of approximately ₹2,161 crore, claims the ED.
Furthermore, the Enforcement agency previously filed a prosecution complaint in July 2023. This complaint included key figures such as Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar; former IAS officer Anil Tuteja; and Arunpati Tripathi, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited. These individuals allegedly played crucial roles in manipulating liquor procurement and collecting illegal commissions in the state.
Bhupesh Baghel Calls It a Political Conspiracy
Following the raids, Bhupesh Baghel issued a public statement on social media. He called the raids on his son a political conspiracy to obstruct his work in Punjab. Bhupesh Baghel was recently appointed as ‘All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary’. In a post on X his office wrote, “A false case running for seven years was dismissed in court, and now ED guests have arrived at my Bhilai residence. If someone is trying to stop Congress in Punjab through this conspiracy, then it is a misunderstanding”.
