In a significant development on July 18, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to the liquor scam. The ED carried out a raid early in the morning, leading to the arrest. Following the arrest, Chaitanya Baghel was presented before the Raipur Court.

Bhupesh Baghel’s Response and Political Reactions

After the arrest, Bhupesh Baghel took to social media to announce the raid and raised concerns about the timing of the ED’s actions. According to Bhupesh Baghel, the raid occurred on the last day of the ongoing Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly session. He further alleged that the timing of the raid was linked to the political discussions surrounding the Adani issue in the assembly.

In a tweet, Bhupesh Baghel mentioned that the ED raid was orchestrated to divert attention from the Adani-related issue that was scheduled to be raised in the assembly. He expressed his frustration, stating that the ED was sent in an attempt to suppress the critical discussions. The timing, according to Bhupesh Baghel, was a political maneuver to silence opposition voices.

Congress Leaders Visit Raipur District Court

In response to the arrest, Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant, along with Bhupesh Baghel, rushed to the Raipur District Court. The political environment in Chhattisgarh became charged as the ED’s actions coincided with the last day of the Legislative Assembly session. In protest against the raid, the opposition members staged a walkout from the assembly. This action highlighted the growing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition over the liquor scam and other related issues.

Bhupesh Baghel’s Personal Statement on ED Raid

Adding a personal touch to the incident, Bhupesh Baghel highlighted the emotional toll the raid had on his family. In a series of tweets, Bhupesh Baghel noted that the raid took place on the very day of his son’s birthday. He sarcastically remarked that this was the kind of birthday gift that Indian democracy offers, specifically from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Bhupesh Baghel expressed his discontent about how his family was being targeted, particularly on significant occasions. He said that the ED had raided his residences on multiple occasions, including those of his advisors and personal staff, on his birthday, and now, the raid at his son’s residence on Chaitanya Baghel’s birthday was another such “gift.”

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Allegations and Details

The Chhattisgarh liquor scam, which reportedly began in February 2019, has been one of the most talked-about corruption scandals in the state. According to the allegations, the liquor distribution system involved the illegal movement of large quantities of alcohol from distilleries. Initially, 800 cases of liquor were being sent every month, distributed across 200 trucks.

As the operation expanded, the volume of liquor being transported doubled, and 400 trucks were sending alcohol across the state. The price of each case also increased from ₹2,840 to ₹3,880 per case during this period.

Illegal Revenue and Findings of the Investigation

The investigation into the liquor scam revealed that over a span of three years, more than 60 million liquor cases were sold illegally. This massive operation resulted in the generation of illegal revenue estimated at ₹2,174.60 crore. The scale of the alleged scam and the involvement of numerous individuals within the state’s liquor distribution network has sparked widespread concerns about corruption at various levels of government.

The Political and Legal Implications of the Case

The arrest of Chaitanya Baghel and the ongoing investigation into the liquor scam have major political implications for the Congress party in Chhattisgarh. The raid and subsequent arrest have raised several questions about the extent of corruption within the state’s ruling party, especially under the leadership of Bhupesh Baghel.

The timing of the ED’s actions, particularly during a critical phase of political discussions in the assembly, has led to allegations that the raid was politically motivated. Bhupesh Baghel and other opposition leaders argue that the action is an attempt to divert attention from issues raised in the assembly, particularly the Adani-related concerns.

Challenges Faced by the ED in the Liquor Scam Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the liquor scam is a significant step towards addressing corruption in the state. However, the ED’s efforts have faced challenges, including political resistance and allegations of selective targeting. Critics have pointed out that the timing of the raids, particularly during important political events, raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the investigations.

The political fallout from these raids has been considerable, with Congress leaders accusing the ruling party of using government agencies to suppress opposition voices. As the investigation continues, the legal and political ramifications will likely unfold, affecting the upcoming elections and the political landscape in Chhattisgarh.

Legal Proceedings and Further Developments

Following the arrest, Chaitanya Baghel was presented before the Raipur Court. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as the case moves through the judicial system. The ED has also indicated that it will continue to pursue further leads related to the liquor scam and potential money laundering activities.

The opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have vowed to fight back against what they perceive as political vendettas and misuse of government agencies. The case is expected to remain a major point of contention in the state’s political discourse, especially as the investigation progresses.

The arrest of Chaitanya Baghel in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam marks a critical juncture in the ongoing investigation. The legal, political, and personal implications of the case are far-reaching, as it involves the family of a prominent political leader and highlights the alleged corruption within the state’s liquor distribution system.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the political landscape in Chhattisgarh will evolve. The outcome of this case could have significant consequences for the future of the Congress party in the state and its relationship with the ruling government.

The raid and subsequent arrest have stirred political debates, with accusations of political manipulation and selective enforcement. The Chhattisgarh liquor scam, its ramifications, and the continued legal proceedings will likely remain in the public eye for the foreseeable future, making it a significant issue in the state’s political discourse.