Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Bhupesh Baghel’s Son Chaitanya Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody

Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a Raipur court in the alleged multi-crore liquor scam. The decision came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) completed his five-day custodial interrogation.

ED counsel Saurabh Pandey told the court that Chaitanya Baghel did not cooperate during questioning. "We found his role in the liquor scam. His police remand ended today, and we sought judicial custody. The court has granted it until September 6," he stated.

Why was Chaitanya Baghel arrested?

The ED arrested Chaitanya Baghel on July 18 in connection with the scam, which allegedly caused losses of more than ₹2,161 crore to the state exchequer. According to investigators, he is described as a key figure behind the operation, which reportedly involved bribes, unaccounted liquor sales, and manipulation of licenses.

The alleged racket functioned through the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), where liquor manufacturers were accused of paying bribes in exchange for preferential treatment. The agency claims that country liquor was sold illegally through state-run shops, while foreign liquor licenses (FL-10A) were misused to benefit certain players.

Other prominent names linked to the case include businessman Anwar Dhebar, former bureaucrat Anil Tuteja, and ex-Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, all accused of accepting regular kickbacks. So far, the ED has attached assets worth ₹205 crore in the matter.

Supreme Court's direction

On August 4, the Supreme Court directed Bhupesh Baghel and his son to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for relief concerning their investigation and possible arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The apex court further asked them to file a separate petition challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the PMLA, which will be heard independently.

Political row

The Congress has strongly condemned the arrest, accusing the BJP-led central government of targeting opposition leaders ahead of elections. Party leaders called the move a "blatant act of political vendetta" and alleged that central agencies are being misused to silence dissent.

With the probe expanding and more influential names under scrutiny, the liquor scam case is expected to fuel further political turbulence in Chhattisgarh in the run-up to the polls.