Ex Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's son arrested by ED in liquor case

Chaitanya Baghel was taken into custody from his residence in Bhilai after an early morning raid conducted by ED officials.

Updated on: Jul 18, 2025, 15:22:29 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, a businessman and the son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with its money laundering probe linked to the state's liquor policy.

Security personnel stand guard during raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on premises linked to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel. (PTI)

Chaitanya was taken into custody from his residence in Bhilai after an early morning raid conducted by ED officials. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities during the Congress government’s tenure under Bhupesh Baghel.

According to people aware of the developments in the central agency, the probe has unearthed suspected proceeds of crime worth ₹1,000 crore.

The ED also claims that a portion of the funds was laundered through real estate firms operated by Chaitanya Baghel and his close associates.

The ED's money laundering case is based on a first information report (FIR) registered by the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which named 70 individuals and entities, including former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma, for their alleged role in corruption related to the state’s liquor policy.

Reacting to the arrest and the raid, Bhupesh Baghel strongly criticised the central government, calling it an attempt to silence opposition voices.

“On the final day of the Assembly session, when we were set to raise the Adani issue in the House, Modi and Shah sent the ED to my home to please their bosses. They are targeting opposition leaders across the country, trying to strangle democracy,” Baghel told media persons in Raipur.

He further accused investigative agencies like the ED, CBI, Income Tax, and DRI of being misused to suppress dissent.

“While the Election Commission is disenfranchising voters in Bihar, these agencies are being weaponised to attack the opposition. Still, we believe in democracy and the judiciary and will continue cooperating,” Baghel added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.