ED Files Chargesheet Against Bhupesh Baghel's Son in Multi-Crore Liquor Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a 7,039-page chargesheet against Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, in a multi-crore liquor scam case. The chargesheet names Chaitanya as an accused in the alleged Rs 2,100 crore scam.
Enforcement DirectorateChaitanya BaghelBhupesh BaghelLiquor ScamChhattisgarhReal EstateSep 15, 2025
According to the federal investigation agency, Chaitanya handled more than Rs 1,000 crore in 'proceeds of crime.' The alleged Rs 2,100 crore ‘scam’ came to light during the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh. As per the ED counsel, a complaint was filed before the special court in this regard, where Chaitanya was named as an accused.
A hard disc containing digital evidence and other proofs were submitted along with the prosecution complaint.
Chaitanya Baghel’s Arrest
On July 18, the central agency arrested Chaitanya Baghel after searching his home in Durg’s Bhilai, where he lives with his father. According to an earlier statement by the ED, the businessman used Rs 16.7 crore from the illegal funds for developing his real estate project.
'Chaitanya was in receipt of proceeds of crime worth Rs 16.70 crore. He had used his real estate firms to intermingle the said funds. It was found that he had utilised the said cash amount (proceeds of crime) in development of his real estate project,' the ED stated.
Bhupesh Baghel’s Response
Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, however, said the agencies were being misused to target the Opposition leaders. He claimed that a fake case against his son was brought up to shroud the 'illegal tree felling' for coal mines in Chhattisgarh, asserting that the Congress was preparing to raise the issue in the assembly.
'In January, the ED arrested former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, along with Anwar Dhebar, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi, and several others as part of their investigation into the case,' Bhupesh Baghel added.
The chargesheet and the subsequent developments have sparked a political storm in the state, with the Opposition alleging a witch-hunt and the government defending the actions of the investigative agencies. The case is expected to have significant political ramifications in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main allegation against Chaitanya Baghel?
Chaitanya Baghel is accused of handling more than Rs 1,000 crore in 'proceeds of crime' and using Rs 16.7 crore from illegal funds to develop a real estate project.
When was the chargesheet filed by the ED?
The chargesheet was filed on a recent date, and the 7,039-page supplementary prosecution complaint was submitted to the court of the 6th District and Additional Sessions Judge Damarudhar Chouhan in Raipur.
What was Bhupesh Baghel's response to the chargesheet?
Bhupesh Baghel, the father of Chaitanya, claimed that the agencies were being misused to target Opposition leaders and that the case against his son was a fake one to divert attention from illegal tree felling for coal mines in Chhattisgarh.
Who else was arrested as part of this investigation?
In January, the ED arrested former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, along with Anwar Dhebar, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi, and several others as part of their investigation into the case.
What are the potential political implications of this case?
The case is expected to have significant political ramifications, with the Opposition alleging a witch-hunt and the government defending the actions of the investigative agencies. It has already sparked a political storm in Chhattisgarh.
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