In a significant development in the alleged multi-crore liquor scam that has rocked Chhattisgarh's political landscape, Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody by a Raipur court. The order, issued on Tuesday, comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concluded its five-day custodial interrogation of him.
The ED counsel, Saurabh Pandey, informed the court that the agency had sought judicial custody as Chaitanya Baghel was not cooperating with the investigation. "We found his role in the liquor scam. His police remand ended today, and we sought judicial custody. The court has granted it until September 6," Pandey stated.
Why Was Chaitanya Baghel Arrested?
Chaitanya Baghel was initially arrested by the ED on July 18 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor scam, which the agency claims defrauded the state exchequer of a staggering ₹2,161 crore. The ED has described him as a "mastermind" behind a sophisticated operation that involved a network of bribes, off-the-books sales, and manipulation of liquor licenses.
The alleged scam operated through the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL). According to the probe agency, bribes were systematically taken from liquor distillers and manufacturers in exchange for favorable access to the market. The modus operandi included the illegal sale of country liquor through government shops and the manipulation of foreign liquor licenses (specifically FL-10A) to benefit a select few players.
The case has ensnared several other high-profile individuals, including businessman Anwar Dhebar (brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar), former bureaucrat Anil Tuteja, and former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma. They are accused of receiving regular kickbacks as part of the elaborate scheme. So far, the ED has attached assets worth ₹205 crore in connection with the case.
Supreme Court’s Directive and Political Fallout
The legal battle surrounding the case reached the Supreme Court, which on August 4 directed both Bhupesh Baghel and his son to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for any relief concerning their investigation and potential arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The top court also asked them to file a fresh petition challenging the constitutional validity of certain PMLA provisions, which will be heard separately.
The arrest has ignited a fierce political war of words. The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of orchestrating a politically motivated crackdown ahead of the state elections. Party leaders have termed the arrest a "blatant act of political vendetta," alleging that central investigative agencies are being weaponized to target and silence opposition leaders in Chhattisgarh.
As the ED's probe deepens and more names are expected to surface, the multi-crore liquor scam controversy is poised to intensify the political tensions in Chhattisgarh, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle in the coming months.
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