July 18, 2025, Raipur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with a multi-crore liquor scam that was allegedly carried out during the Congress administration, sparking a major political controversy in Chhattisgarh. Interestingly, Chaitanya’s birthday fell on the same day as the arrest. Congress MLAs have staged a mass walkout from the current Assembly session in response to this development, which has also rekindled opposition claims of political vendettas.
The ED has not yet released an official statement, but according to sources, the agency carried out more raids at Bhupesh Baghel’s Bhilai home. As part of a larger investigation into an estimated excise fraud of ₹3,200 crore, this is the second operation of its kind at this property this year.
What We Know So Far
According to ED sources, the raids were a continuation of investigations into an alleged syndicate involving senior politicians, excise officials, and bureaucrats accused of operating a “parallel excise system.” This illegal setup reportedly allowed liquor sales without depositing revenue into the state treasury, causing a revenue loss of ₹2,161 crore, as per ED’s estimates. The state’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which is probing the criminal dimension, pegs the figure even higher, at ₹3,200 crore.
Chaitanya Baghel’s arrest marks a significant development in the case, which has already led to the apprehension of several high-profile individuals, including:
- Anwar Dhebar – Alleged mastermind and brother of ex-Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar
- Anil Tuteja – Retired IAS and former Joint Secretary
- Arun Pati Tripathi – Ex-Special Secretary, Commerce and Industry
- Kawasi Lakhma – Former Excise Minister
Congress Boycotts Assembly Over Arrest
As news of the arrest broke, Bhupesh Baghel and all Congress MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly session in Raipur, raising slogans and accusing the Centre of using investigative agencies to settle political scores.
Leader of Opposition, Charan Das Mahant, stated during the boycott:
“The way ED is putting pressure to harass Baghel and us, it’s important to talk about it. They have arrested Chaitanya. We oppose it and we boycott the proceedings.”
They also used a symbolic slogan that has now gone viral:
“Ek pedh Maa ke naam, baaki sab Baap ke naam”
(One tree in mother’s name, rest in father’s name), alluding to the ongoing protest over tree felling in Tamnar.
Bhupesh Baghel Reacts: “Birthday Gift from Modi-Shah”
Visibly emotional, Bhupesh Baghel addressed reporters outside his residence and took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, saying:
“To please their master (Adani), Modi and Shah have sent the ED to my house… We will not bow down. This is nothing but political vendetta.”
On social media, Baghel took a swipe, stating in Hindi:
“Aisi birthday gift Modi aur Shah ji ke alawa duniya ka koi neta nahi de sakta” (Only Modi and Shah can give such birthday gifts.)
This is not the first time ED has visited Baghel’s residence. A previous raid in March 2025 reportedly yielded ₹33 lakh in cash, according to the agency.
Why This Timing Matters
Baghel alleged that the raid was strategically timed to prevent him from raising the issue of tree cutting for a coal mine operated by the Adani Group in Tamnar tehsil, Raigarh district. He had recently visited the site to support protests by tribal villagers against the project.
The mine in question is allotted to Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd (MAHAGENCO) and operated by the Adani Group under a Mine Developer-Cum-Operator (MDO) model. Baghel believes the ED action was meant to silence him during the Assembly’s final day session.
The Bigger Picture: ED’s Growing Role in Opposition Politics
This incident further intensifies concerns over the alleged weaponization of central agencies such as the ED, CBI, IT, and DRI. Congress and several regional parties have accused the BJP-led Centre of targeting Opposition leaders ahead of the 2025 Assembly and 2026 General Elections.
Notably, similar patterns have been observed in:
- Jharkhand: Arrest of Hemant Soren in a land scam
- Delhi: Prolonged investigations into AAP’s liquor policy
- Maharashtra: Raids on NCP leaders post-Shiv Sena split
In each case, the timing of enforcement actions has often coincided with political milestones or protests, raising eyebrows.
What the ED Claims
As per the agency’s ongoing probe:
- A network of middlemen, bureaucrats, and political appointees sold liquor outside the state system
- They issued parallel barcodes and distribution licenses
- Revenue from these illicit sales never reached the state exchequer
- Proceeds were allegedly laundered via shell companies, cash transfers, and real estate deals
The ED has based its findings on data extracted from seized digital devices, witness testimonies, and financial trail reports.
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What Happens Next?
As of now:
- Chaitanya Baghel remains in ED custody
- Further arrests may follow based on custodial interrogation
- Congress plans statewide protests starting this weekend
- Bhupesh Baghel may challenge the arrest legally, calling it a “breach of legislative privilege”
Expert Opinion: Politically Motivated or Legitimate Probe?
Legal analysts and former law enforcement officials are divided.
- Some argue the ED is constitutionally within its mandate, especially given the size of the alleged scam
- Others point out the selective nature of enforcement, saying such probes are rarely seen in BJP-governed states despite similar complaints
A former EOW investigator (name withheld) commented:
“The liquor scam was known in administrative circles for years. But the timing of this arrest raises legitimate political questions.”
A Case of Law vs Politics
Chaitanya Baghel’s arrest sends a clear political message in addition to being a procedural update. The ongoing discussion concerning the independence of investigative agencies and the role of the judiciary in defending democratic systems is heightened by this development.
The focus will remain on Raipur, Delhi, and the Enforcement Directorate’s next steps as the proceedings progress. At the same time, Bhupesh Baghel is establishing himself as a key character in the Opposition’s 2026 story, highlighting the idea that “Stand up, don’t bow down.”
Stay tuned to The Vue Times for in-depth coverage, fact-based insights, and real-time updates on this developing story.
