Chhattisgarh: ED seizes property of crores from Ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel’s son in liquor scam

Raipur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken another major action in Chhattisgarh's highly controversial liquor scam. The ED has provisionally attached assets worth approximately Rs 61.20 crore belonging to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. This action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. According to information, this action, carried out by the ED's Raipur zonal unit, includes 364 residential plots and agricultural land, valued at Rs 59.96 crore. In addition, movable assets, including bank balances and fixed deposits, worth Rs 1.24 crore were also seized. Liquor Scam Exposed The ED initiated this investigation based on an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Raipur. The FIR was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. During the investigation, it became clear that this scam caused significant losses to the state government's coffers and generated illegal profits of approximately Rs 2,500 crore. What was Chaitanya Baghel's role? Furthermore, the ED report made startling revelations. According to the investigating agency, Chaitanya Baghel was at the top of the liquor syndicate. Due to his political position and influence, he was the primary decision-maker in the entire network. He controlled the entire system of illegal earnings, from collection to distribution. All financial transactions were carried out at his behest, and he resorted to various shell companies and real estate projects to make these profits appear legitimate. Where was the illegal money used? According to the ED, Chaitanya invested the illegal proceeds from the liquor scam in the "Vitthal Green" project, operated under his company, M/s Baghel Developers. The purpose of this project was to launder black money through the real estate business. The investigating agency says this investment is a prime example of money laundering, where illegal funds were presented as legitimate. Arrest and Previous Action The ED arrested Chaitanya Baghel on July 18, 2025, and he is currently in judicial custody. A statement issued by the ED stated that this seizure of Rs 61.20 crore is an extension of the seizure of assets worth Rs 215 crore already seized. Several prominent names have previously surfaced in this case. The ED also arrested former IAS officers Anil Tuteja, Arvind Singh, Trilok Singh Dhillon, Anwar Dhebar, Excise Department officer Arun Pati Tripathi (ITS), and former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma (current MLA). Political turmoil surrounding the case intensifies This latest ED action has once again stirred up political tensions in Chhattisgarh. The opposition is calling it a "smashing blow to corruption," while the Congress party is considering it a "political vendetta." Bhupesh Baghel has repeatedly stated that his family is being implicated in false cases. Currently, the ED team is engaged in further investigation. It is believed that more major revelations may emerge in the coming days, as the ED has indicated that several other politicians and businessmen associated with the liquor syndicate are also under investigation.