The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations linked to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel in connection with an alleged multi-crore liquor scam. The raids, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), included Mr. Bhupesh Baghel’s residence in Bhilai city, Durg district, and other properties associated with his son, Chaitanya Baghel. At least 14 premises linked to the Bhupesh Baghels were searched, with officials reportedly examining crucial documents related to the case.
Reacting strongly to the raids, Bhupesh Baghel accused the ED of targeting him for political reasons. He claimed that the action was taken shortly after a court dismissed a case that had been ongoing for seven years. In a statement, Mr. Bhupesh Baghel suggested that the move was part of a larger conspiracy to suppress the Congress party, particularly in Punjab. He asserted that such attempts would not succeed in weakening the party’s position.
The ED investigation focuses on an alleged liquor syndicate that, according to officials, operated between 2019 and 2022, causing substantial financial losses to the state exchequer. The central agency estimates that approximately Rs 2,161 crore was siphoned through various fraudulent schemes. Investigators allege that Chaitanya Baghel received proceeds from this illicit operation, further deepening the probe’s scope.
The ED’s findings suggest that illegal commissions were generated through multiple channels, including bribes collected from liquor distillers. Distillers allegedly paid a fee per liquor case procured by the state liquor body, ensuring their continued operations. Another alleged malpractice involved the sale of country liquor from government-run shops, where proceeds were reportedly not recorded, resulting in an unaccounted flow of funds. Officials claim that instead of reaching the state treasury, the money was diverted to those involved in the syndicate.
Further, the ED suspects that a liquor cartel was established through systematic bribery, allowing select distillers to maintain a fixed market share. Similar commissions were also allegedly imposed in the foreign liquor segment. The agency is now scrutinizing financial transactions and related evidence to establish direct links between the accused and the scam’s proceeds.
As the raids continue, the case has sparked a political controversy, with Congress leaders condemning the ED’s actions as politically motivated. The BJP, on the other hand, has defended the probe, stating that corruption allegations must be thoroughly investigated. With legal proceedings expected to unfold, the case remains a focal point of political and legal discourse in Chhattisgarh and beyond.
