Bhupesh Baghel Seeks Judicial Inquiry into Central and State Agencies in Chhattisgarh

Bhupesh Baghel, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, has reached out to the Chief Justice of India. He has requested a judicial investigation into the operations of both Central and state investigative bodies in Chhattisgarh. In a letter dated 21 September to CJI Dhananjaya Chandrachud, Baghel alleged attempts to falsely implicate him in ongoing scams.

Baghel expressed concerns about being linked to scams involving coal levies and the Mahadev online betting app. These investigations are being conducted by the Enforcement Directorate. The cases emerged during Baghel's tenure as Chief Minister under the Congress government. After the BJP's victory in the last assembly elections, the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) also initiated separate investigations into these scams.

Political Vendetta Allegations

Baghel is one of 18 individuals named as accused in an FIR filed by the EOW. He claimed that if investigative agencies continue to be misused for political vendettas, it would instill fear among the state's residents. Baghel stated that conspiracies were underway to tarnish his image and link him to these scams.

In his letter, Baghel mentioned a meeting between a senior IPS officer and businessman Suryakant Tiwari on 8 September. Tiwari is a key accused in the alleged coal levy scam. The officer allegedly pressured Tiwari to name Baghel as a beneficiary of the scam. Baghel cited Tiwari's submission in district court as evidence.

Claims of Defamation

Baghel asserted that during his five-year tenure, he adhered strictly to constitutional principles. He took prompt action against any illegal activities brought to his attention. However, he felt compelled to write to the CJI due to ongoing unconstitutional situations in Chhattisgarh.

The former Chief Minister claimed that his name and those of his colleagues were dragged into money laundering cases before last November's elections. He accused agencies like the ED of working under someone's influence to defame him and his government for political gains during elections.

Judicial Inquiry Request

Baghel alleged that the state agency ACB/EOW had become part of a political conspiracy against him. He believed that these actions aimed to damage his reputation, subject him to false prosecution, and end his political career through baseless allegations.

The Congress leader sought intervention from the CJI to uphold constitutional supremacy concerning Central and state agencies' operations in Chhattisgarh. He urged for a high-level judicial inquiry into their roles and functions within the state.