Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED raids former CM Bhupesh Baghel's son and close aides

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at 14 locations linked to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and others in Durg district. The raids were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the ongoing probe into the alleged ₹2,161 crore liquor scam in the state.

Focus on Key Associates

ED teams searched the residence of Chaitanya Baghel along with premises linked to his close aides and businessman Laxmi Narayan Bansal, also known as Pappu Bansal. Investigators have reportedly gathered evidence indicating that Chaitanya Baghel was among the beneficiaries of the illegally generated funds.

Previous Arrests and Allegations

In January, the ED had arrested former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, alleging that he played a pivotal role in the scam and failed to act against the illicit liquor trade. Lakhma is accused of receiving ₹2 crore in illegal payments every month. The agency also claims that proceeds from the scam were invested in real estate, causing significant losses to the state exchequer.

Political Reactions

The ED’s latest action has sparked a political uproar in Chhattisgarh, with opposition parties renewing corruption allegations against the previous Congress government. Congress workers staged a protest outside Bhupesh Baghel’s residence, condemning the raids.

Baghel’s office, in a post on X, dismissed the ED’s actions as politically motivated, stating: "When the false case going on for seven years was dismissed in court, the ED arrived at the Bhilai residence of former Chief Minister and Congress General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel this morning. If someone is trying to stop Congress in Punjab through this conspiracy, they are mistaken."

Ongoing Investigation

The liquor scam, according to the ED, was allegedly carried out between 2019 and 2022, during Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as CM. So far, the agency has attached assets worth ₹205 crore belonging to various accused. The investigation is ongoing, with further revelations expected in the coming days.