Chhattisgarh Former CM's Son Allegedly Involved in ₹250 Crore Liquor Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has accused Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, of receiving ₹200 to ₹250 crore from a major liquor scam. The extensive charge sheet details his alleged involvement in a criminal network that managed substantial illicit earnings during the previous Congress government. As investigations continue, political tensions rise, with BJP leaders making serious allegations regarding past incidents. This unfolding story raises questions about corruption and accountability in the state's governance.
Dec 23, 2025, 10:45 IST
Allegations Against Chaitanya Baghel in Liquor Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offences Wing (ACB/EOW) has asserted in its charge sheet that Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, allegedly received between ₹200 crore and ₹250 crore as part of a liquor scam in the state. The ACB/EOW filed its seventh supplementary charge sheet in a special court on Monday, claiming that Chaitanya played a significant role in establishing, coordinating, and protecting an extortion racket within the Excise Department during the previous Congress government, which was in power from 2018 to 2023. According to a statement from ACB/EOW, this extensive document spans approximately 3,800 pages and accuses Chaitanya Baghel of being involved in a scam exceeding ₹3,000 crore.
Evidence of Financial Gains
Chaitanya Allegedly Received ₹200 to ₹250 Crore from Scam
According to the charge sheet, "Evidence indicates that Chaitanya managed high-level criminal earnings and received approximately ₹200 crore to ₹250 crore as his share." The ACB/EOW's statement highlights that the extensive document accuses Chaitanya Baghel of involvement in a scam valued at over ₹3,000 crore. To date, eight charge sheets have been filed in this case, with the latest providing updates on the ongoing investigation, including digital evidence related to all individuals currently in custody.
Alleged Use of Network for Money Laundering
Network Allegedly Used for Laundering Funds
The charge sheet claims that Chaitanya Baghel allegedly utilized his trusted network to manage and transfer the proceeds of the scam orchestrated by businessman Anwar Dheber, funneling funds to higher levels. It is alleged that he received his share through various firms owned by liquor businessman Trilok Singh Dhillon, transferring money via banking channels into family-run businesses and investing it in real estate ventures.
Investments Through Family and Associates
Investments Made with Family and Associates' Help
Furthermore, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has indicated that Baghel allegedly acquired and invested substantial amounts generated from the scam through banking channels, with assistance from family, friends, and associates. The ED detained Baghel following a raid at his residence on July 18, linked to the alleged liquor scam, stating that the scheme caused "significant losses" to the state treasury while benefiting the liquor syndicate.
Political Reactions
BJP's Accusations
On another front, BJP President JP Nadda accused some Congress insiders of being involved in facilitating the 2013 Jhiram Valley Naxal attack, which resulted in the deaths of state Congress leaders. He stated, "I have observed the events related to the Jhiram Valley incident. Today, I want to responsibly say that the information and internal details regarding the Jhiram Valley incident were not provided by anyone else; it was their own people who were involved in the deaths of their own and were in contact with the Naxalites."
Response from Bhupesh Baghel
Bhupesh Baghel's Response
In response, Bhupesh Baghel remarked, "Today, the BJP's national president has once again disrespected the martyrs who lost their lives in the Jhiram incident. First, security agencies, including the NIA, should interrogate JP Nadda and demand evidence for his claims. JP Nadda! We lost our leaders in the Naxal attack. By making allegations of collusion, you are disrespecting their sacrifice."