Fresh raids, political theatrics, and a high-profile arrest rock the political terrain of Chhattisgarh.
New Delhi: In a significant development that has sent ripples through the political corridors of Chhattisgarh, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the state’s high-profile liquor scam. The arrest came shortly after the agency conducted early morning raids at the Baghel family’s residence in Bhilai, Durg district.
Based on “fresh financial evidence” that purportedly connects Chaitanya Baghel to the multi-crore liquor scam, the action was initiated by ED officials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation agency is of the opinion that illicit profits earned through liquor sales and distribution were channeled through a web of intermediary companies and shell firms, some of which are purportedly operated by Baghel.
This is not the first instance that Chaitanya has landed on the radar of the ED. On March 10, 2025, the central agency had carried out similar raids on several properties owned by him. But Friday’s raid seems to have been supported by fresh leads forcing the agency to act quickly. By afternoon, the ED had arrested Chaitanya for further interrogation.
Eyewitnesses in Bhilai observed a heavy security deployment outside the Baghel house during the raid. Police barricades were put up and security personnel deployed in big numbers, expecting trouble. A bunch of Congress activists collected outside the house, shouting slogans against the ED and calling the action politically motivated.
The Congress party has denounced the arrest strongly. Chhattisgarh’s senior party leaders accused the central government of employing investigating agencies to harass opposition leaders before scheduled elections in the state. “This is all a political revenge to muzzle Bhupesh Baghel and his family. The BJP is scared of increasing popularity of the Congress,” said a state Congress spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh BJP leaders welcomed the action of ED, saying that it is a move in the direction of unearthing the “deep-rooted corruption” which is purported to have occurred during Bhupesh Baghel’s time as Chief Minister. “The people of Chhattisgarh have the right to know how public funds were misused. Let the law take its course if someone is innocent,” said a BJP MLA.
The ED will make Chaitanya Baghel appear in court for remand proceedings shortly. He may be put through long hours of questioning regarding financial transactions, digital material, and his connections with supposed liquor syndicates.
The Chhattisgarh liquor scam has been under investigation since early 2023. It is said to be related to unlawful commissions, tax evasion, and manipulation in the sale and supply of liquor through government-supported vendors. Multiple bureaucrats and businessmen have already been questioned with regard to the case.
This is a high-profile arrest with big political implications in the state, particularly for the Congress party, which has been gearing up for the next municipal elections and mobilizing support at the grassroot level. The former CM Bhupesh Baghel, who has been keeping a low profile since his resignation, has not made any official statement yet, although party insiders indicate that he can speak to the media in the near future.
With the unfolding of this case, all attention is now focused on the ED’s follow-up action and the possible ripple effects this arrest might have on the political climate of Chhattisgarh. Further details are being anticipated as the probe continues.
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