ED Detains Bhupesh Baghel's Son, Chaitanya, in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam. Congress Workers Protest Outside ED Office. Opposition Stages Walkout from Assembly.
Congress Protests: A major political upheaval struck Chhattisgarh when the ED (Enforcement Directorate) detained Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with a money laundering case. The case is reportedly linked to the alleged liquor scam. Following the arrest, Congress supporters protested outside the ED office.
After detaining Chaitanya Baghel on Friday morning, the ED presented him in Raipur Court and requested a five-day remand. Senior Congress leaders, MLAs, and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel himself were present during the court appearance.
Congress Supporters' Protest
As soon as the news of the arrest surfaced, Congress workers protested outside the ED office in Raipur. They accused the central government of acting with political vendetta. Congress leaders say that such actions are an attempt to suppress the voice of the opposition.
Opposition Walkout from Assembly Session
Friday was the last day of the monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Assembly. However, opposition parties staged a walkout from the session in protest against the arrest of Chaitanya Baghel. After leaving the Assembly, all the MLAs reached Bhupesh Baghel's residence where further strategies were discussed.
Leaders' Reactions
Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Charandas Mahant, said that this arrest is an attempt to create political pressure. He stated that it was Chaitanya's birthday today, and his arrest on the same day makes it clear that the government wants to create an atmosphere of fear. He alleged that the BJP government in the state is supporting industrialists, especially the Adani group, and targeting the opposition.
Congress's Unified Stance
Following this entire episode, the Congress has united to support Bhupesh Baghel and his family. Party leaders say that they have faith in the judiciary and will not bow down to any kind of political harassment.
Background of the Liquor Scam
The ED's investigation is linked to an alleged liquor scam involving accusations of illicit earnings and money laundering through government licenses. The ED claims that important clues related to this case are linked to Chaitanya Baghel, and therefore, questioning him is necessary.
However, the Congress is calling this entire investigation political vendetta. The party says that agencies are being misused to harass opposition leaders. Questions have been raised about ED actions against opposition leaders in several states before as well. Dr. Charandas Mahant said that democracy is weakening in the country. He said that if raising the voice of the opposition has become a crime, it is a dangerous sign for democracy.
