Chaitanya Baghel Held in Bhilai During Early Morning Raids
In a significant development in the ongoing liquor scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The arrest took place at the Baghel family’s residence in Bhilai, Durg district, during early morning raids that began around 6:00 AM.
The ED operation, conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was backed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Chaitanya Baghel was arrested based on new evidence linking him to alleged illicit profits earned from a suspected liquor syndicate that operated between 2019 and 2022, during the Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh.
Raids Coincide With Chaitanya’s Birthday, Bhupesh Baghel Hits Out
Chaitanya’s arrest came on his birthday, provoking a sharp response from his father. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bhupesh Baghel described the arrest as a “birthday gift” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“The kind of birthday present which Modi and Shah ji give, no one in any democratic country could imagine. Thank you for the unforgettable gift—you will remember it for life,” he posted sarcastically.
Baghel also alleged that the timing of the ED action was deliberate, aimed at thwarting his planned protest in the Chhattisgarh Assembly against tree felling in Raigarh’s Tamnar area to facilitate Adani Group’s coal mining project.
Massive Security Deployment Amid Congress Protests
The arrest triggered political unrest in Bhilai and Durg, as Congress supporters assembled near the Baghel residence shouting slogans like “ED go back.” Tensions escalated as clashes broke out between protesters and police. In response, security was significantly increased throughout Durg district.
Meanwhile, Congress MLAs, led by Bhupesh Baghel, held demonstrations outside the Chhattisgarh Assembly, condemning the arrest. Leader of the Opposition, Charan Das Mahant, accused the Centre of launching a targeted political attack on the Baghel family.
Liquor Scam Investigation: Massive Fraud and Political Links
The ED’s probe is centered on a massive liquor scam allegedly siphoning off over ₹2,161 crore through unauthorized liquor sales and the use of counterfeit holograms during the previous Congress government. According to the agency, the scam involved an organized nexus of businessmen, bureaucrats, and political figures—including former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma.
Several individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case, including Anwar Dhebar and Anil Tuteja. The ED claims assets worth ₹205 crore have been attached so far.
Repeat Raids Amid Political Allegations
This is the second time in 2025 that ED officials have searched the Baghel family residence—the previous operation was conducted in March. Bhupesh Baghel has consistently dismissed the ED actions as politically motivated, linking the timing of raids and arrests to key political developments and opposition-led campaigns.
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