ED Raids Ex Chattisgarh CM Bahgel's House in Liquor Policy Scam

This morning starting 7am, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a high-profile raid at the Bhilai residence of Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and Congress General Secretary, as part of an escalating investigation into an alleged liquor policy scam. The operation, which commenced at 7 AM, targeted Baghel’s home and 14 other locations across the state, including the residence of his son, Chaitanya Baghel. The ED’s actions are linked to a money laundering probe tied to irregularities in Chhattisgarh’s liquor trade during Baghel’s tenure from 2018 to 2023.

The liquor scam, estimated to involve over ₹2,100 crore in illicit gains, allegedly enriched a syndicate of politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen through manipulated excise policies. The ED claims this caused significant losses to the state exchequer, with proceeds funneled through unaccounted sales and cartelized distribution. Baghel, who lost power to the BJP in the 2023 state elections, has long dismissed these allegations as politically motivated. Posts on X and reports from outlets like NDTV India confirm the raid’s scope, with teams questioning occupants and scrutinizing documents.

This isn’t Baghel’s first brush with the ED. Previous raids targeted his aides, including political advisor Vinod Verma in 2023, while earlier probes linked him to the Mahadev betting app case, alleging ₹508 crore in kickbacks—claims he has consistently denied. The Congress leader has accused the BJP-led central government of weaponizing agencies like the ED to tarnish his image, especially ahead of key elections.

The raid’s timing, months before the 2025 Lok Sabha polls, fuels speculation of political vendetta. While the ED has not released specific findings from today’s operation, the Congress is expected to retaliate, framing it as an attack on opposition voices.