Chhattisgarh – The Enforcement Directorate has created a major political controversy after Bhupesh Baghel son arrested in connection with a massive money laundering case. Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, was detained on Friday in what has been described as a calculated move that sparked chaos in the state Assembly.
The arrest of the former chief minister’s son came during a comprehensive raid on the Baghel family residence in Bhilai, Durg district. This marked the second time federal agencies targeted the same property, with the Central Bureau of Investigation having conducted a previous raid in March related to the Mahadev betting app scandal.
The Liquor Scam Connection
The case in which Bhupesh Baghel son arrested centers around an alleged liquor syndicate that reportedly caused losses exceeding Rs 2,160 crore to the Chhattisgarh state government. According to investigative sources, Chaitanya Baghel has been identified as a key recipient of proceeds from this elaborate financial crime that operated during the Congress government’s tenure between 2019 and 2022.
The Enforcement Directorate had previously labeled the younger Baghel as someone who benefited from the illegal money flow within this extensive network. The agency’s investigation revealed multiple layers of corruption involving various stakeholders in the state’s liquor trade ecosystem.
Multi-Faceted Corruption Network
The scam that led to Bhupesh Baghel son arrested involved several sophisticated methods of siphoning government revenue. The first aspect concerned the sale of country-made alcohol through government-operated liquor outlets in rural areas, where the state treasury received no proceeds while the entire revenue stream flowed to organized crime syndicates.
Additionally, the investigation uncovered systematic bribery involving distillers and liquor manufacturers. These companies allegedly paid substantial amounts to secure guaranteed market shares and obtain licenses for selling premium imported brands. The scheme also encompassed bribes collected from manufacturers to ensure the state-run marketing cooperative would purchase their products at favorable terms.
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Key Political Figure Already Behind Bars
The broader investigation had already resulted in significant arrests, with former Commerce and Commercial Tax Minister Kawasi Lakhma detained in January. Sources indicate that Lakhma allegedly received substantial monthly cash payments as part of his role in facilitating the liquor syndicate’s operations throughout the state.
The arrest pattern suggests a systematic approach by federal agencies to dismantle what they characterize as an extensive corruption network that operated with political protection during the Congress administration.
Birthday ‘Gift’ Triggers Sarcastic Response
When Bhupesh Baghel son arrested, the former chief minister responded with characteristic sarcasm through social media, describing the timing as an extraordinary birthday present. In a pointed message directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Baghel highlighted what he termed the unusual nature of such “gifts” in democratic societies.
The senior Congress leader recalled how his own birthday had been marked by Enforcement Directorate raids on the homes of his advisor and two Officers on Special Duty. Now, his son’s birthday became the occasion for another federal agency operation, creating what Baghel characterized as a disturbing pattern of politically motivated harassment.
Assembly Chaos and Strategic Timing
The news that Bhupesh Baghel son arrested immediately disrupted the Chhattisgarh Assembly proceedings, with Congress members staging protests that forced an adjournment. The timing raised questions among opposition leaders, as the arrest occurred on the final day of the monsoon session when legislators were scheduled to discuss environmental damage caused by mining operations in Raigarh district.
Baghel has been particularly vocal about environmental issues related to mining activities, making the timing of his son’s arrest appear strategically calculated to deflect attention from these discussions.
Non-Cooperation Charges
The specific charges that resulted in Bhupesh Baghel son arrested relate to allegations of non-cooperation with the investigating agency. Sources indicate that Chaitanya Baghel’s detention was accompanied by significant police presence to prevent potential protests from Congress supporters who had gathered near the family residence.
Political Weaponization Allegations
The incident where Bhupesh Baghel son arrested has reignited debates about the alleged misuse of federal investigative agencies for political purposes. Congress and other opposition parties have consistently accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of weaponizing agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation to target political rivals, particularly during election periods.
The ruling BJP has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that federal agencies operate independently and pursue cases based on evidence rather than political considerations.
Concluding Statement
The case involving Bhupesh Baghel son arrested represents another chapter in the ongoing political battle between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress. While the Enforcement Directorate continues its investigation into the alleged liquor scam, the timing and manner of the arrest have intensified debates about the intersection of law enforcement and political strategy in contemporary Indian politics.
