The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh, including premises linked to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s son, Chaitanya Baghel, in connection with an alleged liquor scam under investigation as part of a money laundering case.
Official sources stated that raids were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at Chaitanya Baghel’s residence in Bhilai, which he shares with his father.
Searches were also conducted at premises linked to other individuals suspected of involvement in the case.
According to sources, the ED is probing alleged links between Chaitanya Baghel and a liquor syndicate, as well as his purported association with certain individuals connected to the racket.
Also read: ED arrests Chhattisgarh Congress MLA in alleged liquor scam
As part of the operation, the agency raided approximately 14-15 locations across the state.
The ED had earlier asserted that the alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh led to a "massive loss" to the state exchequer, with an estimated Rs 2,100 crore illicitly diverted to beneficiaries of the liquor syndicate between 2019 and 2022, during the tenure of the Congress-led government.
In its investigation, the agency has previously arrested former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, as well as several others, including Anwar Dhebar—the elder brother of Raipur mayor and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebar—former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, and Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi.
As part of its ongoing probe, the ED has so far attached assets worth approximately Rs 205 crore belonging to various accused in connection with the case.
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