Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have re-arrested Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the state’s multi-crore liquor scam. Chaitanya had been in judicial custody since July 18, following his initial arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged money laundering activities linked to the scam.
On Wednesday, the ACB/EOW obtained a production warrant and took Chaitanya into their custody, along with co-accused Dipen Chawda. Both individuals were subsequently presented before a special court under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which remanded them to ACB/EOW custody until October 6. The agencies are investigating the criminal aspects of the case, including charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
The alleged liquor scam, estimated at over ₹2,500 crore, is said to have occurred between 2019 and 2022 during the Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh. Investigators claim that Chaitanya Baghel played a central role in the syndicate, personally handling around ₹1,000 crore of illicit proceeds. These funds were allegedly generated through commissions on official liquor sales, proceeds from unaccounted or illegal liquor, and bribes from distillers forming a cartel to control the state’s liquor business.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed multiple prosecution complaints in the case, alleging that the scam resulted in a significant loss to the state exchequer and enriched the liquor syndicate beneficiaries. Chaitanya’s lawyer has criticized the re-arrest, labeling it a “pressure tactic” without substantial evidence. The defense contends that Chaitanya’s name was included in the chargesheets only after statements from another accused, Laxmi Narayan Bansal, regarding the handling of ₹1,000 crore.
The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities examining the extent of the alleged corruption and its impact on the state’s finances. The case has garnered significant political attention, given Chaitanya’s familial ties to the former Chief Minister.
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