Bhupesh Baghel’s Son Chaitanya Arrested by ED in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam

Chaitanya Baghel, Son of Former Chhattisgarh CM, Arrested by ED in Liquor Policy Probe.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the state’s liquor policy.

Chaitanya, a businessman, was taken into custody from his residence in Bhilai following an early morning raid by ED officials. His arrest is a major development in the probe into alleged financial irregularities that reportedly occurred during the Congress-led state government’s tenure.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the agency has identified suspected proceeds of crime worth approximately ₹1,000 crore. The ED alleges that part of this illicit money was laundered through real estate ventures controlled by Chaitanya Baghel and his associates.

The money laundering case stems from a first information report (FIR) filed by the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The FIR names around 70 individuals and entities, including former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma, for their alleged involvement in corruption tied to the implementation of the state’s liquor policy.

Reacting to the developments, Bhupesh Baghel condemned the central government, calling the ED action politically motivated.

“On the last day of the Assembly session, when we were preparing to raise the Adani issue, Modi and Shah sent the ED to my home to serve their interests. This is part of a broader pattern of targeting opposition leaders and undermining democracy,” Baghel said in Raipur.

He also accused central agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department of being used selectively against dissenters. “While the Election Commission is accused of disenfranchising voters in Bihar, these agencies are being weaponised against the opposition. Nonetheless, we trust the judiciary and will cooperate fully,” he added.

The investigation continues as the ED is expected to question others named in the case in the coming days.