ED Raids Residence of Former CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Son in Ongoing Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Probe
Enforcement Directorate Raids Bhilai Residence of Chaitanya Baghel
In a significant development in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday, July 18, conducted searches at the Bhilai residence of Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The raids were carried out in connection with alleged money laundering and irregularities linked to a multi-crore liquor scam in the state.
According to ED sources, the operation was part of a broader probe to unearth the financial trail of illegal commissions and the alleged misuse of foreign and domestic funding routed through shell entities.
Political Reactions: Bhupesh Baghel’s Office and Congress Respond
Responding to the raid, Bhupesh Baghel’s office issued a statement on social media platform X, noting the timing of the action:
“ED has arrived. Today is the last day of the Assembly session. The issue of trees being cut in Tamnar for Adani was supposed to be raised today. 'Saheb' has sent the ED to the Bhilai residence.”
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also issued a sharp reaction, alleging that the Modi-Shah duo is using ED as a political tool:
“It seems the Modi-Shah duo has given the ED a monthly assignment to go after the Congress senior leadership and their family... Another futile attempt at intimidation.”
Background: Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam and ED’s Earlier Action
The raid is a continuation of the ED’s probe into the alleged Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam. In March 2025, the agency had seized Rs 30 lakh in cash during a raid at the residences of Bhupesh Baghel and his son. At the time, 14 different locations were searched across Raipur, Bhilai, and other cities in Chhattisgarh.
The ED claims to have traced a portion of the scam proceeds directly to Chaitanya Baghel, citing bank records and transactions as evidence. According to the agency, the liquor cartel allegedly comprised politicians, IAS officers, and liquor businessmen, who controlled distribution and licensing through government shops, manipulated records, and collected bribes from suppliers.
Modus Operandi of the Alleged Scam
The scam, as per ED findings, involved:
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Manipulation of liquor distribution through state-run outlets
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Non-accounting of a portion of liquor sales in official records
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Bribes and kickbacks collected from private vendors
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Use of shell firms to launder funds
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Misappropriation of funds for personal and political gains
The Income Tax Department had earlier flagged these irregularities, prompting the ED to register a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Key Arrests and Allegations in the Case
Several high-profile individuals have already been arrested in the case, including:
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Anil Tuteja, a senior IAS officer
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Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur’s mayor and a key liquor businessman
The ED alleges that these individuals were part of a coordinated effort to exploit the state’s excise framework for personal enrichment.
Legislative Tensions in Chhattisgarh Assembly
The raid also coincided with dramatic scenes in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, where several Congress MLAs were suspended by Speaker Raman Singh for disrupting proceedings. The opposition raised slogans during the question hour, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the session and suspend the legislators for the day.
Speaker Singh stated:
“Today hurt the prestige of the state. Breaking a 25-year tradition, slogans were raised, and proceedings were disrupted. Despite warnings, members did not leave, and I had to suspend them.”
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Political and Legal Battle
The ongoing ED probe into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam has now reached the doorstep of the former Chief Minister’s family, escalating political tensions in the state. With the Assembly session at a crucial juncture and the 2024 Supreme Court’s scrutiny over the misuse of investigative agencies still fresh in memory, the incident has raised serious concerns over the independence of institutions and the timing of enforcement actions.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on how the Congress leadership and Centre navigate the growing storm around financial transparency, political accountability, and legal due process in high-profile corruption cases.
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