ED Arrests Bhupesh Baghel’s Son in ₹2,161 Crore Liquor Scam Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on Friday in a money laundering probe linked to an alleged ₹2,161 crore liquor scam. The arrest followed fresh raids at their shared residence in Bhilai, Durg district, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), triggered by new evidence, ED sources confirmed.

Speaking outside his home, Bhupesh Baghel accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing agencies like the ED, CBI, and IT to target opposition leaders. “Modi and Shah sent the ED to please their master. We won’t bow down,” he said, sarcastically thanking them for the “birthday gift” to his son. Baghel linked the raid’s timing to a planned Assembly discussion on tree felling for an Adani-linked coal mine in Tamnar, Raigarh, alleging it was meant to silence Congress.

The ED claims the liquor scam, operational from 2019–2022 under the Congress government, caused massive losses to the state while funneling over ₹2,100 crore to a liquor syndicate. Chaitanya is suspected as a “recipient” of illicit proceeds. Previous raids in March 2025 recovered ₹33 lakh in cash and documents. Assets worth ₹205 crore have been attached, and key arrests include former minister Kawasi Lakhma, IAS officer Anil Tuteja, and Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar’s brother Anwar.

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Baghel vowed to cooperate, expressing faith in the judiciary despite alleging political vendetta. Congress supporters gathered outside the residence, where heavy police presence was noted. The case, with 12 accused arrested since January, has intensified political tensions in Chhattisgarh ahead of upcoming polls.

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