Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 18: In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with the high-profile multi-crore liquor scam allegedly involving politicians, bureaucrats, and liquor traders.

The arrest came just hours after ED sleuths raided Bhupesh Baghel’s residence in Bhilai, triggering a strong political response from the senior Congress leader. Taking to social media platform X, Baghel sarcastically thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the "birthday gift," as the arrest coincided with his son's birthday.

"The kind of birthday gifts Modi and Shah give cannot be matched by anyone in a democracy. On my birthday, they sent the ED to the homes of my advisor and OSDs. Today, on my son's birthday, they raided my residence. Thank you for the unforgettable gift," Baghel posted.

He further alleged that the timing of the raid was politically motivated, particularly on a day when the Chhattisgarh Assembly was to debate sensitive issues, including deforestation in Tamnar allegedly linked to industrial interests.

The liquor scam, under ED’s lens since 2022, allegedly saw a network of politicians, excise officials, and businessmen manipulating the state’s liquor trade between 2019 and 2022. The ED estimates the illegal profits from the scam to be around Rs 2,161 crore.

The agency alleges that liquor was sold through government outlets, with portions of stock remaining off the books. Bribes were reportedly collected to allow private supply and sale, bypassing official channels. The investigation stems from a detailed report submitted by the Income Tax Department, highlighting major irregularities in the excise sector.

Previously, the ED had arrested senior IAS officer Anil Tuteja and liquor baron Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar. Several raids have been conducted across Chhattisgarh, targeting individuals linked to the former Congress government.

With the arrest of Chaitanya Baghel, the probe has now hit closer to the inner circle of Bhupesh Baghel, setting off a new round of political sparring ahead of crucial electoral seasons.