The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids on Monday at multiple locations linked to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The probe is centered around alleged financial irregularities involving his son, Chaitanya Baghel, in connection with the purported liquor scam case, according to official sources.
Among the premises searched were those belonging to Chaitanya Baghel in Bhilai, located in the Durg district. Additionally, the agency raided properties associated with Laxmi Narayan Bansal, also known as Pappu Bansal, who is believed to be a close associate of Chaitanya Baghel. Several other locations tied to individuals suspected of involvement in the case were also covered under the search operations. The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as per officials familiar with the matter.
It was noted that Chaitanya Baghel shares the Bhilai residence with his father, Bhupesh Baghel. Consequently, the premises were included in the search operation. Investigators suspect that Chaitanya Baghel may have been a “recipient” of illicit funds generated from the alleged liquor scam. Officials revealed that the Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at approximately 14-15 different locations across the state as part of the ongoing probe.
The ED has previously stated that the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam resulted in a “massive loss” to the state’s exchequer. According to the agency, the fraudulent activities facilitated by a liquor syndicate led to the generation of over ₹2,100 crore in illicit proceeds, which were allegedly distributed among beneficiaries within the network.
As part of this high-profile investigation, the ED had earlier arrested several individuals, including former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma. Other key figures arrested in connection with the case include Anwar Dhebar, the elder brother of Raipur Mayor and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebar, former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anil Tuteja, and Arunpati Tripathi, an officer of the Indian Telecom Service (ITS). Several others have also been taken into custody in connection with this probe.
The ED’s investigation has revealed that the alleged liquor scam was operational between 2019 and 2022, during the tenure of the Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The agency claims that during this period, a network of corrupt officials and business entities engaged in large-scale financial misconduct, which resulted in substantial revenue losses for the state.
So far, the ED has attached assets worth approximately ₹205 crore belonging to various individuals implicated in the case. The enforcement agency continues to conduct rigorous inquiries and financial investigations to trace and recover additional proceeds of crime. The investigation is expected to uncover further details regarding the financial transactions and individuals involved in the alleged scheme.
The ED’s recent actions mark another significant step in its broader campaign against financial irregularities and money laundering activities in the country. The agency remains committed to bringing those responsible for economic offenses to justice, ensuring accountability, and preventing the misuse of public funds for personal or political gains.
