Ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Son Chaitanya Baghel Arrested By ED In Liquor Scam
Chaitanya Baghel, son of ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, arrested by ED in a Rs 2,100 crore liquor scam case. The arrest coincides with political tensions over an Adani-linked coal mine project.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Officials confirmed that Chaitanya was taken into custody as part of the ongoing probe into the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state. He was seen wearing a yellow t-shirt at the time of arrest. The investigation, which has already led to multiple high-profile detentions, continues to shake the political landscape of Chhattisgarh.
#WATCH | Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's son, Chaitnya Baghel (in yellow t-shirt), arrested by Enforcement Directorate, in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged multi-crore liquor scam in the state, say officials.
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2025
Visuals from Durg,… pic.twitter.com/bRPTxqfu0b
ED Had Raided Chaitanya’s Premises in March
This isn’t the first time Chaitanya has been in the ED’s crosshairs. The federal agency had earlier conducted raids at his residence in March this year as part of its investigation into the scam that allegedly spanned from 2019 to 2022—during the Congress-led government’s tenure in Chhattisgarh.
High-Profile Arrests in Widening Probe
The ED’s crackdown has already led to the arrests of several influential figures. Among them are former minister Kawasi Lakhma, ex-IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi, and Anwar Dhebar—the elder brother of Raipur Mayor and Congress leader Aijaz Dhebar. The ED claims the scam caused massive losses to the state exchequer while enriching a closely connected liquor syndicate.
Bhupesh Baghel Links ED Action to Adani-Linked Coal Mine Row
Reacting to his son’s arrest, Bhupesh Baghel alleged political vendetta. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he pointed out that the ED arrived at his Bhilai Niwas residence on the last day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly’s monsoon session—just as the issue of tree felling in Tamnar was scheduled to be raised. “Today is the last day of the state legislative (monsoon) session. The issue of trees being felled for Adani in Tamnar was scheduled to be raised (in the House). Saheb has sent ED to Bhilai Niwas,” the statement read.
ED आ गई.
— Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) July 18, 2025
आज विधानसभा सत्र का अंतिम दिन है.
अडानी के लिए तमनार में काटे जा रहे पेड़ों का मुद्दा आज उठना था.
भिलाई निवास में “साहेब” ने ED भेज दी है.
(कार्यालय- भूपेश बघेल)
Protests Over Adani Coal Mine Project in Tamnar
Earlier this month, Bhupesh Baghel visited Tamnar tehsil in Raigarh district, where he stood in solidarity with villagers protesting against deforestation for a coal mining project. The mine has been allotted to Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO), which has subcontracted the development and operations to the Adani Group.
Politics Heats Up as ED Tightens Grip
The arrest of Chaitanya Baghel has further intensified the political showdown in Chhattisgarh. While the ED maintains its focus on unearthing financial irregularities, Congress leaders have accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies for political gain—especially when inconvenient questions are raised in the Assembly.
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