On Friday morning, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the Bhilai residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, as part of an ongoing probe into a massive ₹2,161 crore liquor scam allegedly involving his son, Chaitanya Baghel. The operation, carried out under tight security by CRPF personnel, began around 6:30 am and included searches at other linked locations as well.
What the ED Alleges:
According to the ED, the scam revolves around the creation of a parallel liquor distribution network during Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as CM. Key accusations include:
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Use of duplicate holograms and liquor bottles.
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Sale of unaccounted-for liquor via state-run outlets, bypassing official systems.
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Diversion of liquor proceeds into private hands, causing massive revenue loss to the state.
The agency claims the scam involved a nexus of politicians, senior bureaucrats, and Excise Department officials, with Chaitanya Baghel allegedly among the recipients of the illicit funds.
Political and Personal Response:
Bhupesh Baghel confirmed the raids in a brief but pointed social media post, simply stating:
“ED aa gayi” (ED has arrived).
He also noted that the timing of the raid — coinciding with the final day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly session — appeared politically motivated. Baghel had planned to raise environmental concerns regarding tree felling in Tamnar for Adani and Mahagenco coal mines, which he implied might have prompted the action.
Background on Chaitanya Baghel:
This is not the first time the ED has targeted Bhupesh Baghel’s son. In March 2025, ED officials raided several of Chaitanya’s properties, seizing:
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₹30 lakh in cash,
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Various documents and digital devices,
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Evidence allegedly linking him to proceeds of the liquor scam.
Other Raids:
Simultaneously, the ED searched locations associated with Laxmi Narayan Bansal (alias Pappu Bansal), described as a close associate of Chaitanya Baghel and an alleged conduit in the excise scam.
Larger Context:
These raids come at a politically sensitive time, and opposition leaders have decried previous ED actions as part of a larger pattern of targeting non-BJP ruled states. Baghel’s arrest or further developments in the case could have significant political consequences in Chhattisgarh, particularly as the Congress gears up for 2025 state elections.
This case is being closely watched as it touches on corruption, political vendetta allegations, and governance issues — all high-stakes matters in Indian state and national politics.
