Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India]: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out raids at the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, his son Chaitanya Baghel, and several others in connection with an alleged multi-crore liquor scam, according to sources. The searches were conducted at a total of 14 locations across Chhattisgarh as part of the ongoing investigation.
Key Allegations in the Liquor Scam
- The ED has alleged that Chaitanya Baghel was a “recipient of proceeds of crime” generated from the liquor scam, which reportedly amounts to ₹2,161 crore siphoned off through various schemes.
- The alleged scam involved a network of government officials, politicians, and liquor businessmen who controlled the sale and distribution of alcohol through government-run shops.
- A portion of the liquor sales was allegedly not recorded in official documents, and bribes were reportedly collected from suppliers to enable illegal sales outside the regulated system.
Details of the ED Raids
- Multiple ED teams launched the search operations early Monday based on specific intelligence inputs.
- The premises raided included those associated with Bhupesh Baghel, his son, and close associates of Chaitanya Baghel.
- The investigation is based on an earlier Income Tax Department report that highlighted irregularities in the liquor trade.
Bhupesh Baghel’s Response
- Reacting to the raids, Bhupesh Baghel’s office posted on X (formerly Twitter): “When the false case going on for seven years was dismissed in the court, today the guests of ED have entered 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, then it is a misunderstanding.”
- Baghel hinted that the raids were politically motivated, suggesting an attempt to weaken the Congress party ahead of elections.
Arrests and Key Accused
- The ED has arrested several key figures in the case, including:
- IAS officer Anil Tuteja
- Liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur’s mayor.
- The investigation suggests that a cartel of officials and businessmen systematically manipulated the liquor supply chain in Chhattisgarh between 2019 and 2022.
Political Reactions and Implications
- The raids have led to strong political reactions, with Congress leaders accusing the government of misusing central agencies to target opposition leaders.
- The timing of the raids, close to upcoming state elections, has further raised suspicions about their political motives.
What’s Next?
- The ED’s investigation is likely to expand, with more arrests and revelations expected in the coming days.
- The focus remains on tracking the money trail and identifying other key beneficiaries in the alleged scam.