The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a significant chargesheet in the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam, making a sensational claim. The central probe agency alleges that Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received a staggering sum between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore as part of the illicit financial flows from the scandal.
Details of the Allegations and Key Accused
According to the chargesheet submitted before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, the money was purportedly funneled to Chaitanya Baghel through a complex network of individuals and shell entities. The ED's investigation, which stems from multiple FIRs registered by the Chhattisgarh Police, focuses on a massive excise policy manipulation and bribery scheme that operated during the previous Congress government's tenure.
The agency has named several key individuals in its prosecution complaint. Alongside Chaitanya Baghel, the chargesheet includes Lalit Chandrakar, Trilok Singh Dhillon, and Anwar Dhebar. Anwar Dhebar is notably the brother of Congress leader and former Raipur Mayor, Aijaz Dhebar. The ED alleges this group played a central role in orchestrating the scam, which involved collecting bribes from liquor manufacturers and distributors in exchange for favorable policy changes and license allocations.
The Modus Operandi and Scale of the Scam
The probe has unraveled a sophisticated operation. The ED claims that a well-organized syndicate, with alleged political patronage, established a parallel system for collecting illicit funds. These funds, described as "protection money," were reportedly demanded from every level of the liquor trade within the state.
The total proceeds of the crime, as estimated by the investigating agency, could exceed Rs 2,000 crore. The money trail, painstakingly traced by the ED's financial forensic team, allegedly shows a portion of this colossal sum making its way to Chaitanya Baghel. The chargesheet details transactions and hawala routes believed to have been used to disguise the origin and destination of the bribes.
Political Repercussions and Reactions
The filing of this chargesheet has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Chhattisgarh. The case has been a major point of contention between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. The BJP has seized upon the ED's findings to accuse the previous Congress administration of systemic corruption.
Congress leaders, including Bhupesh Baghel, have consistently denied all allegations, labeling the investigation as a politically motivated witch-hunt by central agencies. They argue that the timing of such actions is intended to malign the party's image. The chargesheet, filed on December 23, 2024, is expected to intensify this political battle, especially with the Baghel family at its epicenter.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The special PMLA court has taken cognizance of the chargesheet, marking a formal legal step forward. The accused are likely to be summoned for proceedings in due course. The ED has indicated that its investigation is ongoing and further revelations or additions to the case are possible.
This development in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam case represents one of the most serious corruption allegations against the family of a senior political figure in recent state history. The legal process will now determine the validity of the charges, but the political fallout is already being felt across the state.
