ED raids former CM Bhupesh Baghel's son in Chhattisgarh liquor scam probe

Raipur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations, including the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, as part of an investigation into his son Chaitanya Baghel’s alleged links to a liquor scam and money laundering case.

Officials confirmed that around 14-15 locations across the state, including Chaitanya Baghel’s residence in Bhillai—where he shares accommodation with his father—were searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sources indicated that Chaitanya's suspected connections to a liquor syndicate and other entities are under scrutiny.

The ED has alleged that the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, which took place between 2019 and 2022 during Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as CM, resulted in a massive loss to the state exchequer while generating over ₹2,100 crore in illegal proceeds for those involved.

Several key figures have already been arrested in connection with the case, including former Congress minister Kawasi Lakhma, Anwar Dhebar (brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar), ex-IAS officer Anil Tuteja, and Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi. The ED has also attached assets worth ₹205 crore as part of its probe.

The raids mark a significant escalation in the investigation, intensifying pressure on the Congress leadership in Chhattisgarh. Bhupesh Baghel has consistently denied the allegations, calling the probe politically motivated. However, with new financial links under scrutiny, the case continues to unfold as a major political controversy in the state.