A major development has emerged in the high-profile Chhattisgarh liquor scam case, with a recently filed chargesheet making a sensational claim. The document alleges that Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received a staggering Rs 250 crore as his share from the proceeds of the alleged multi-crore racket.
Details from the Voluminous Chargesheet
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have submitted a massive chargesheet that runs into approximately 3,800 pages. This voluminous legal document names Chaitanya Baghel as a formal accused in the scandal. According to the investigating agencies, the total estimated size of the alleged liquor scam exceeds Rs 3,000 crore, highlighting the enormous scale of the financial irregularities.
The chargesheet, filed on 23 December 2025, provides a detailed breakdown of the money trail and the roles of various individuals. It specifically points to the Rs 250 crore sum that was allegedly funneled to the former Chief Minister's son. This revelation is expected to have significant political and legal repercussions in the state.
The Scale of the Alleged Scam and Investigation
The alleged liquor scam, pegged at over Rs 3,000 crore, is one of the biggest financial scandals to have surfaced in Chhattisgarh in recent years. The investigation, spearheaded by state agencies like the ACB/EOW, has been probing deep into the alleged irregularities in the state's liquor policy and distribution network during the previous government's tenure.
The naming of a high-profile political family member as an accused marks a critical turn in the probe. The chargesheet is a result of a meticulous investigation that gathered evidence, financial records, and statements to build a case around the illegal collection and distribution of funds.
Potential Political and Legal Fallout
This development is set to trigger a major political storm in Chhattisgarh and at the national level. The opposition is likely to intensify its attack on the Congress party and the Baghel family, while the ruling dispensation will point to this as evidence of systemic corruption during the previous regime.
Legally, the filing of the chargesheet paves the way for the judicial process to begin. Chaitanya Baghel and other named accused will have to present their defense in court. The allegations, if proven, could lead to severe penalties under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code.
The case underscores the ongoing crackdown on alleged corruption in state-run liquor businesses across India. It also raises serious questions about governance and accountability, putting the spotlight back on the political and administrative machinery of Chhattisgarh.
