In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids amidst allegations of large sums of cash found at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. To count the cash, ED officials brought in two cash-counting machines. They have also seized electronic gadgets and documents linked to Bhupesh Baghel's son, Chaitanya Baghel, from a related premises. This case is tied to an alleged liquor scam.
Sources suggest that Chaitanya Baghel might be called for questioning soon, potentially starting today. The ED's raids and actions are based on evidence linking Chaitanya Baghel to a major role in the 2100 crore rupees liquor scam.
Read More: Electronic gadgets, documents... What was discovered in the raids on Bhupesh Baghel's son's premises
In an effort to expedite the Chhattisgarh liquor scam probe, the ED conducted raids at Chaitanya Baghel’s premises and 14 other locations across the state. This operation connects to a massive fraud of approximately 2,161 crore rupees between 2019 and 2022. During the investigation, ED sources informed through media reports, “We have obtained evidence linked to Chaitanya Baghel, prompting these raids.”
Raids on Chaitanya Baghel, son of Bhupesh Baghel, started this morning by ED. A considerable police presence is in place, with supporters protesting and chanting slogans at the site.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a complaint in July 2023 concerning the liquor scam. Notable figures including Raipur Mayor Ejaz Dhebar's brother Anwar Dhebar, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, and Arunpat Tripathi, managing director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), were named.
Read More: ED's Raid on Bhupesh Baghel's Son's Premises in Chhattisgarh, Know the Case
The agency accused these individuals of executing the scam by manipulating procurement processes and accepting commissions from select liquor manufacturers. ED's investigation revealed that this alleged corruption led to a loss of 2,161 crore rupees to the state treasury.
Throughout the investigation, the agency has attached assets totaling approximately 205.49 crore rupees, belonging to various accused individuals, including businessmen and former bureaucrats. These include both movable and immovable properties.
