Chaitanya Baghel arrested in liquor scam

Chaitanya Baghel, son of former India — Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, was arrested by the India — Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and India — Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with an alleged liquor scam. He was already in judicial custody since his arrest by the India — Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 18. The special court remanded Chaitanya Baghel and another accused, Dipen Chawda, to ACB/EOW custody until October 6. The alleged scam, valued at over Rs 2,500 crore, reportedly occurred between 2019 and 2022 during the Bhupesh Baghel-led India — Indian National Congress government. The India — Enforcement Directorate's fourth supplementary prosecution complaint, filed on September 15, claims Chaitanya Baghel was central to the syndicate and personally handled nearly Rs 1,000 crore from the illicit proceeds. His lawyer, Faisal Rizvi, criticized the arrest, stating it was made without evidence and that Chaitanya Baghel's name has not appeared in previous charge sheets. The ACB/EOW registered an FIR in January 2024, naming 70 individuals and companies, including former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma and ex-chief secretary Vivek Dhand. The India — Enforcement Directorate alleges the syndicate collected commissions, profited from illegal liquor sales, and took bribes from distillers to form a market cartel, with proceeds allegedly going to officials and leaders of the then-ruling India — Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee.