ED raids ex-CM Baghel's residence in Chhattisgarh liquor scam

On Monday, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted searches at 14 locations in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district as part of investigations into an alleged liquor scam.

Notable sites included the residences of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son, Chaitanya Baghel.

The ED's operation also extended to close associates of Chaitanya Baghel, with sources indicating that he allegedly received illicit funds linked to the scam. Searches were also conducted at the premises of Laxmi Narayan Bansal.

The liquor scam reportedly involves the diversion of Rs 2,161 crore through various fraudulent schemes between 2019 and 2023, during the tenure of Chhattisgarh’s previous Congress government.

As the searches commenced, Bhupesh Baghel’s official handle on the social media platform X released a statement suggesting that the raids were politically motivated. The statement alleged a conspiracy aimed at thwarting Baghel’s political activities in Punjab, where he now serves as the Congress General Secretary.

The statement emphasized Baghel’s ongoing commitment to Punjab, despite alleged efforts to impede the Congress party's operations there. Baghel has made multiple visits to Punjab, holding meetings with local leaders to bolster preparations for the upcoming state elections.

The ED initiated its investigation last year with the filing of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against the alleged mastermind, Anwar Dhebar, the brother of Raipur’s mayor, Aijaz Dhebar. Other key figures included in the report are retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja and ITS officer Arun Pati Tripathi, both implicated in operations supplying unaccounted liquor to state-run outlets, resulting in significant financial losses to the government.

Earlier this year, former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma was arrested by the ED for his purported involvement in the scam. Allegations state that Lakhma received Rs 72 crore, part of which was used to fund a Congress office and a personal residence for his son.

The investigation underscores ongoing scrutiny and legal proceedings related to one of Chhattisgarh’s major financial scandals, with potential political ramifications amid upcoming election preparations.