The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations linked to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son, Chaitanya Baghel. The raids, part of a money laundering probe into an alleged multi-crore liquor scam, took place at 14 sites, including their residence in Bhilai, Durg district.
Massive Search Operation Across Chhattisgarh
The ED teams launched coordinated raids early in the morning, targeting premises associated with Baghel and his close aides. Officials combed through financial records and seized crucial documents under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to sources, the searches aimed to trace alleged illicit funds linked to a liquor syndicate that reportedly caused significant financial losses to the state. Authorities claim the scam involved siphoning off around Rs 2,161 crore through fraudulent means.
The investigation also focuses on financial transactions involving Chaitanya Baghel, who allegedly received proceeds from the illicit trade. Officials are scrutinizing records to determine the full extent of his involvement.
Baghel Slams ED, Calls It Political Vendetta
Reacting to the raids, Bhupesh Baghel accused the central agency of targeting him for political reasons.
“After a false case running for seven years was dismissed by the court, the ED suddenly arrives at my residence in Bhilai. If this is an attempt to weaken the Congress in Punjab or elsewhere, those behind it are mistaken,” Baghel said in a statement.
His remarks come amid growing allegations from opposition leaders that investigative agencies are being used to suppress dissent and intimidate political opponents. Congress leaders have condemned the action, calling it a deliberate attempt to influence upcoming elections.
Alleged Rs 2,161-Crore Liquor Scam Under Scanner
The ED’s probe into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam is based on findings that a liquor syndicate, operating with political backing, misappropriated funds from state revenues. Investigators believe the illicit proceeds were funneled through various channels, leading to substantial losses to the exchequer.
Officials claim that:
- The scam involved manipulation of state-run liquor distribution networks.
- Large sums of money were allegedly diverted to private entities through shell companies.
- Chaitanya Baghel is suspected of receiving direct financial benefits from the illicit transactions.
The probe is expected to intensify, with officials looking into bank records, property transactions, and offshore accounts to trace the missing funds.
Political Ramifications and Next Steps
With elections around the corner, the timing of the ED raids has sparked widespread debate. The Congress party has vowed to challenge the agency’s actions, while BJP leaders argue that the probe is necessary to bring corruption to light.
Legal experts suggest that the case could drag on for months, with further summons and questioning expected. Meanwhile, the ED is preparing to file a detailed report based on evidence gathered from the raids. For now, all eyes are on how Bhupesh Baghel and his party navigate the growing legal and political storm.
