Former Chhattisgarh CM's Son Denied Bail in Multi-Crore Liquor Scam Investigation

Chaitanya Baghel remains in judicial custody since July 18 following bail rejection.

New Delhi: A special court in Raipur has rejected the bail application of Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, citing the critical stage of the investigation into the alleged multi-crore liquor scam.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chaitanya Baghel on July 18, and he has remained in judicial custody since. Authorities accuse him of money laundering activities connected to irregularities in Chhattisgarh's liquor trade, specifically routing illicit funds through shell companies and concealing them via real estate investments.

According to ED investigations, the liquor scam allegedly exceeds Rs 2,000 crore and involved collusion between politicians, bureaucrats, and private entities who reportedly manipulated the state's excise system between 2019 and 2022. The agency asserts that companies linked to Baghel were used to divert portions of these illegal proceeds.

The prosecution has compiled substantial evidence against the accused, including digital records, financial transaction documentation, and testimonies from individuals associated with the excise department. The ED has already submitted a detailed prosecution complaint to the PMLA court that names multiple suspects.

During court proceedings, Baghel's defense team contended that his arrest was politically motivated and emphasized the absence of direct evidence connecting him to the alleged money trail.

The case has intensified political tensions in the state, with the ruling BJP accusing the previous Congress administration of facilitating widespread corruption. Meanwhile, Congress characterizes the investigation as a "politically motivated" campaign against its leaders.

Chaitanya Baghel will continue to remain in judicial custody as the ED pursues its investigation into what officials describe as one of Chhattisgarh's most significant financial scandals in recent history.