ED Raids Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Son in Alleged Liquor Scam; Congress Hits Back

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh, including premises linked to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with an alleged liquor scam related to a money laundering case.

According to reports, the ED is searching 14 locations across the state under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) provisions. The raids include Chaitanya Baghel’s residence in Bhilai, which he shares with his father. The searches also extend to other individuals suspected to have ties to the alleged liquor syndicate.

ED’s Investigation and Allegations

Unnamed sources told PTI that certain “links” between Chaitanya Baghel and the liquor syndicate have surfaced, prompting further investigation. The ED has previously alleged that the liquor scam led to a massive loss to the Chhattisgarh exchequer, with over ₹2,100 crore being siphoned off by a liquor syndicate.

Bhupesh Baghel’s Response

Reacting to the raids, Bhupesh Baghel’s office issued a statement, suggesting a political motive behind the ED’s actions.

“If someone is trying to stop Congress in Punjab through this conspiracy, then it is a misunderstanding.”

The statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), also added:

“When the false case that had been going on for seven years was dismissed in court, today, the ED officials entered the Bhilai residence of former CM and Congress General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel this morning.”

Previous Arrests and Actions by ED

The ED has already arrested several individuals in connection with the case, including:

• Kawasi Lakhma, former minister and Congress leader
• Anwar Dhebar, elder brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar (Congress leader)
• Anil Tuteja, former IAS officer
• Arunpati Tripathi, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer

As part of its investigation, the ED has attached assets worth approximately ₹205 crore belonging to various accused.

Background of the Alleged Scam

According to the ED, the liquor scam was allegedly orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 during the tenure of the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh. The agency claims that a liquor syndicate manipulated state policies and engaged in corruption, leading to huge financial losses for the state.

With the latest round of raids and Bhupesh Baghel’s son coming under scrutiny, the case has taken on a new political dimension, sparking fresh tensions between the Congress and the BJP-led central government.