Raipur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at several locations in Raipur in connection with a liquor scam, allegedly worth Rs 2,161 crore. The properties being raided are linked to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. Search and seizure operations are underway in at least 14 locations, an ED source revealed.
Among the properties raided is Bhupesh Baghel’s house in Bhilai. A post on his official ‘X’ handle called the raids politically motivated. “This is a false case going on for seven years. After the court dismissed it, efforts are on to revive the matter once again,” it has been stated.
The ED believes that Chaitanya is a recipient of proceeds of crime in this case. The agency claims to have uncovered a complex network involving politicians, senior bureaucrats and officials of the excise department. ED officials claim that a ‘parallel’ system used to be run through which unaccounted for liquor was sold through government outlets.
“This racket went on between 2019 and 2022. Fake holograms and liquor bottles were used to divert revenue that was due to the state. Procurement processes were manipulated and commissions were received from some liquor manufacturers. In 2023, we lodged complaints against several people in this matter, including the then managing director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Ltd,” an ED official said.
According to him, property worth nearly Rs 205 crore, linked to businessmen and former bureaucrats, have already been attached by the ED in this matter.
Bhupesh Baghel has linked the raids to the Congress’ efforts to make a comeback in Punjab, where it has launched a major campaign, keeping the 2027 Assembly elections in mind. “If this conspiracy is aimed at preventing the Congress’ entry into Punjab, then it is a misconception,” it is mentioned in the statement on ‘X’.
