Durg, Chhattisgarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at 14 locations in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, including properties linked to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya Baghel, as part of its ongoing probe into the state’s multi-crore liquor scam.
Chaitanya Baghel Allegedly Linked to Proceeds of Crime
According to ED sources, Chaitanya Baghel is suspected to have received illicit funds generated through fraudulent liquor-related schemes, with investigators estimating the total amount siphoned off at Rs 2,161 crore. The overall scam is believed to have cost the state exchequer approximately Rs 4,000 crore, with fresh leads emerging during the probe.
As the raids commenced, Bhupesh Baghel’s office released a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the move:
"When the false case that had been ongoing for seven years was dismissed in court, ED officials arrived at the Bhilai residence of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel this morning. If someone believes they can suppress the Congress in Punjab through such conspiracies, they are mistaken."
Heightened Scrutiny Following Minister’s Arrest
The ED’s latest action follows the January arrest of Kawasi Lakma, the state’s former Excise Minister, which significantly intensified the focus on Baghel and his close associates. The raids reportedly targeted properties, assets, and financial records linked to Baghel’s family, as well as Chaitanya Baghel’s associates, including Laxmi Narayan Bansal (alias Pappu Bansal).
The Origins of the Liquor Scam Investigation
The ED’s probe into Chhattisgarh’s excise scam was launched in 2023, uncovering a massive illicit liquor syndicate allegedly operated through a nexus of distillery owners, bureaucrats, and politicians. The investigation found that fraudulent practices in the state-run liquor procurement and distribution system resulted in an unaccounted loss of Rs 3,800 crore.
According to excise department records, Chhattisgarh operates 672 state-run liquor shops, generating daily cash revenues of Rs 28-32 crore. However, investigators claim that an illegal parallel liquor trade flourished with the alleged collusion of government officials and private players, who manipulated the system for personal financial gains.
The ED has already arrested several high-profile individuals in connection with the scam, including Arun Pati Tripathi, a Special Secretary in the Excise Department, who allegedly amended liquor policies to benefit the syndicate. Senior IAS officers Anil Tuteja and Ranu Sahu have also been questioned in the case.
Wider Political and Legal Ramifications
The Chhattisgarh liquor scam is one of several corruption cases under ED investigation, alongside coal levy, mining, and PDS scams in the state. The probe has led to the arrest of at least five senior IAS officers and an ex-minister, signaling a deepening crackdown on financial irregularities during Baghel’s administration.
With the ED intensifying its focus, the case has taken on significant political implications, further mounting pressure on Bhupesh Baghel amid allegations of large-scale financial mismanagement under his tenure. The former CM now faces increasing scrutiny, as the investigation continues to unfold.
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