In Chhattisgarh's alleged 2,500 crore rupee liquor scam, the ACB/EOW has arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former CM Bhupesh Baghel, and Deepen Chavda. The court remanded both to custody until October 6.
The much-discussed liquor scam in Chhattisgarh has once again intensified political activity. On Wednesday, the ACB/EOW arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and his associate Deepen Chavda. It is alleged that thousands of crores of rupees were embezzled in this scam, which occurred between 2019 and 2022, and its direct benefits reportedly reached political and administrative circles.
ACB/EOW Action and Court Appearance
According to officials, Chaitanya Baghel was produced before a special court (Prevention of Corruption Act), which sent him to ACB/EOW custody until October 6. During this period, the court has allowed intensive interrogation of both accused.
It is noteworthy that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had raided Chaitanya Baghel's residence in Bhilai in July. Since then, he had been in judicial custody in jail. Now, after obtaining a production warrant, the ACB/EOW formally took him into their arrest.
The 2,500 Crore Rupee Scam
This liquor scam allegedly occurred between 2019 and 2022, during the tenure of the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh. Investigating agencies estimate that approximately 2,500 crore rupees were embezzled through illegal exaction and manipulation during this period.
The ED claims that Chaitanya Baghel controlled this entire network and directly managed approximately 1,000 crore rupees alone. It is also alleged that he not only collected funds but also played an active role in concealing the proceeds of crime and channeling them through various means.
Lawyer Calls Arrest Politically Motivated
Chaitanya Baghel's lawyer, Faisal Rizvi, stated that the arrest was entirely politically motivated. According to him, Chaitanya's name was not included in the main and supplementary charge sheets filed so far. A total of 45 people have been accused in this scam, but many of them have not yet been arrested.
The lawyer stated that the arrest is based solely on the statement of another accused, Laxmi Narayan Bansal. He claims that no concrete evidence has been presented in court, and his client is being framed merely to create political pressure.
In-depth Investigation of the Syndicate and Further Proceedings
The ED and ACB/EOW state that a large syndicate was formed to control the liquor business in Chhattisgarh. Market share was controlled by taking commissions and bribes from liquor manufacturers, and the profits generated from this were channeled to then-current politicians and officials.
So far, the investigation has revealed several prominent names, including former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, former Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, IAS officer Anil Tuteja, ITS officer Arunpati Tripathi, and Anwar Dhebar. Considering the seriousness of the case, the court has allowed investigating agencies to conduct intensive interrogation until October 6. It is believed that more significant revelations may emerge in the coming days.
