Bhupesh Baghel's Son Chaitanya Arrested By ED After Raids At Bhilai Residence

Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 12:55 IST

The arrest triggered a sharp political reaction from Bhupesh Baghel, who accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing agencies to target opposition leaders.

ED was conducting raids at Ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel's residence since morning.

Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, was arrested on Friday following raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the Baghel residence in Bhilai, Durg district, in connection with the alleged ₹2,100-crore liquor scam. The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on fresh evidence pointing to Chaitanya’s suspected role as a recipient of scam proceeds, ED sources said.

The arrest triggered a sharp political reaction from Bhupesh Baghel, who accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing agencies to target opposition leaders. “To please their master, Modi and Shah have sent the ED to my house. Bhupesh Baghel won’t be afraid—we will fight the battle of truth," he told the media. Noting that the raid coincided with his son’s birthday, Baghel added, “Nobody in any democracy can give a birthday gift like Modi and Shah did today. I will remember this for life." A heavy police presence was deployed outside the residence as Congress supporters gathered in protest.

Bhupesh Baghel also questioned the timing of the raid, which came a day after the state assembly session ended and ahead of a planned discussion on alleged environmental violations in Adani-linked coal projects. He reiterated that this was not the first time the ED had raided his residence, recalling a past incident where ₹33 lakh was recovered, but no further action was taken.

The liquor scam probe has led to multiple arrests, including senior Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, Raipur Mayor’s brother Anwar Dhebar, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, and Indian Telecom Service officer Arunpati Tripathi. The ED claims the alleged scam caused massive losses to the state exchequer and funneled illicit money into the hands of a powerful liquor syndicate. A previous ED raid targeting Chaitanya Baghel took place on March 10.

Despite his criticism of the central agencies, Bhupesh Baghel said he would continue to cooperate, asserting his faith in democracy and the judiciary. “Whether they trust us or not, we will cooperate. The people of this country now understand what is going on," he said.

Bhilai Charoda, India, India

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