The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple sites associated with former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and prominent Congress figure Bhupesh Baghel, along with his son Chaitanya Baghel, this morning in connection with an alleged multi-crore liquor scandal. A total of 14 locations tied to the Baghel family, including their residence in Bhilai city, Durg district, were scrutinized by ED officials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials reported that several important documents were reviewed during the operation. Following the announcement of the raids, Baghel criticized the ED, asserting that the actions were a response to a court ruling that dismissed a "false case" that had persisted for seven years.
Following the dismissal of a baseless case that had persisted for seven years, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) entered the Bhilai residence of former Chief Minister and Congress General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel this morning. Baghel remarked, "If there is an attempt to undermine Congress in Punjab through this conspiracy, it is a grave misunderstanding." Properties associated with close affiliates of Chaitanya Baghel were among those targeted in the raids related to the money laundering investigation.
This inquiry pertains to an alleged liquor scam, which the central agency asserts has resulted in a "substantial loss" to the state treasury. Authorities claim that individuals involved in the liquor syndicate have embezzled approximately Rs 2,161 crore through various schemes.
Chaitanya Baghel is reported to have obtained funds derived from this purported scam, as stated by the officials. The ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate has uncovered that the liquor syndicate functioned from 2019 to 2022, amassing significant sums through various illicit means. One method involved soliciting bribes from distillers for each liquor 'case' acquired by the state liquor authority.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)