ED arrests Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, in liquor scam. The action followed a raid at his residence in Bhilai. The case is related to money laundering.
Chhattisgarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, on Friday. This arrest is related to the liquor scam involving money laundering. The ED apprehended Chaitanya from his residence in Bhilai. The ED team, accompanied by CRPF security, arrived in three vehicles at 6:30 AM on Friday and commenced the search operation.
The Case Behind the Arrest
The ED took this action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is reported that the agency obtained some new evidence during the investigation, based on which Chaitanya Baghel was arrested. Several officers and related individuals are already under investigation in this case. Chaitanya's arrest occurred on his birthday, and on the same day, his father, Bhupesh Baghel, was scheduled to raise the issue of tree felling in Raigarh district in the Legislative Assembly.
Background of the Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
- The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the ED are both investigating the liquor scam. So far, a total of five charge sheets have been filed in this case.
- On July 7, the EOW filed the fourth supplementary charge sheet in this scam.
- In this charge sheet, the estimated amount of the scam was increased from ₹2,161 crore to ₹3,200 crore.
- This charge sheet was filed on June 30.
A total of 29 excise officers have been named as accused in the charge sheets filed so far, including several retired officers. These include district officers, assistant commissioners, and deputy commissioners.
ED's Investigation and Further Procedure
The ED will now interrogate Chaitanya Baghel regarding his role in the matter. It is likely that he will be taken into remand for further information. The ED's preliminary investigation report states that an organized network was operating in this scam, involving officers, businessmen, and some political figures.
Congress Reaction
Following the arrest, Congress leaders have termed it political vendetta. The party says that the central government is misusing the ED to target opposition leaders. The Congress also alleges that whenever an opposition leader questions the government's policies, investigative agencies are activated against them.
