ED raids Bhupesh Baghel’s son in liquor scam; Congress fires back

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched raids on Monday at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh, including the residence of Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Officials investigated an alleged liquor scam tied to a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED searched 14 locations across the state, targeting individuals linked to the case. Authorities suspect a massive financial loss to the state exchequer. According to ED estimates, the alleged liquor syndicate siphoned off over ₹2,100 crore. The agency has already arrested several government officials and businessmen involved in the case.

Reacting to the raids, Bhupesh Baghel’s office dismissed the move as a political conspiracy. A statement posted on X read, “If someone is trying to stop Congress in Punjab through this conspiracy, then it is a misunderstanding.” It also noted that ED officials arrived at Baghel’s Bhilai residence just as an unrelated seven-year-old case was dismissed in court.

This latest development intensifies political tensions in Chhattisgarh. With elections approaching, the Congress and the central agencies remain locked in a heated battle over corruption allegations.