ED Conducts Searches at 14 Locations in Durg
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Monday carried out searches at 14 locations in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, including the residences of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya Baghel. The raids are part of an investigation into an alleged Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam.
Baghel’s Son Allegedly Received Proceeds of Crime
According to ED sources, Chaitanya Baghel is suspected of receiving proceeds from the scam. Raids were also conducted at the premises of Laxmi Narayan Bansal and close associates of Chaitanya Baghel.
Details of the Liquor Scam
The alleged scam took place between 2019 and 2023 under the previous Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh. Investigators claim that commissions were collected, and unaccounted liquor was supplied to government-run shops, causing financial losses to the state. The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in January 2024, naming several accused, including:
- Anwar Dhebar, alleged mastermind and brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar
- Anil Tuteja, retired IAS officer and former joint secretary in Chhattisgarh
- Arun Pati Tripathi, former Special Secretary and MD of CG State Marketing Corporation Ltd
In January 2025, the ED arrested former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma for allegedly receiving Rs 72 crore from the scam. Investigators claim that a portion of these funds was used to build a Congress office and a house for his son.
Bhupesh Baghel Calls It a Political Conspiracy
As soon as the raids began, Baghel took to social media, alleging that the ED action was politically motivated. His official handle on X (formerly Twitter) released a statement saying, “While the false case going on for seven years was dismissed in court, today ED guests have entered the Bhilai residence of former Chief Minister, Congress General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel this morning. If someone is trying to stop Congress in Punjab with this conspiracy, then it is a misunderstanding.”
Political Implications Amid Punjab Elections
Baghel, who was recently appointed as Congress General Secretary for Punjab, has been actively preparing for the upcoming elections in the state, scheduled two years from now. Sources close to him claim that he will continue his political work despite the raids.
The ED is continuing its investigation, and further details are awaited.
