CBI raids ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence in Raipur, Bhilai

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids at the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai on Wednesday morning.

A post from Baghel’s official X handle confirmed the development, stating, “Now CBI has come.” The raids coincide with Baghel’s scheduled visit to Delhi for an important AICC Drafting Committee meeting ahead of the Congress gathering in Ahmedabad on April 8-9.

CBI Raids and Political Reactions

As per reports, the searches extended to locations linked to Baghel’s close aides. Around 7:45 a.m., a CBI team attempted to enter the residence of Bhilai MLA Devendra Yadav to investigate the Mahadev case, but his supporters resisted the agency’s entry. Another CBI team also reached the home of Baghel’s advisor, Vinod Verma.

Ongoing Investigation: ED’s Liquor Scam Probe

The raids follow recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged ₹2,161 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. On March 10, ED raided 14 locations linked to Baghel’s son, Chaitanya Baghel, and his close associate, businessman Laxmi Narayan Bansal (Pappu Bansal).

Investigators claim Chaitanya Baghel was among the beneficiaries of illicit funds. Earlier in January, the ED arrested former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, alleging he received ₹2 crore per month in illegal payments while failing to act against the illicit liquor trade.

The ED alleges the scam, which occurred between 2019 and 2022 under the Congress-led government, resulted in substantial losses to the state exchequer. So far, assets worth ₹205 crore have been attached in the case.

The ED’s actions had sparked political unrest, with Congress workers protesting outside Bhupesh Baghel’s residence during previous raids.

(With IANS inputs)