Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Allegations Against Former CM's Son Surface

Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, is embroiled in a significant liquor scam, with allegations of personal gains between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore. The Economic Offences Wing has accused a network of bureaucrats and politicians of running an illegal liquor operation, leading to massive financial losses for the state. As investigations unfold, the total value of the scam could exceed Rs 3,500 crore. Chaitanya's lawyer claims the agency lacks evidence, while the Enforcement Directorate has labeled him as a key figure in the syndicate. This article delves into the details of the case and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 13:06 IST

Allegations of Financial Misconduct

The Economic Offences Wing and the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Chhattisgarh Police have accused Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, of illicitly acquiring between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore in a liquor scam that allegedly took place from 2019 to 2022.

Bhupesh Baghel served as the chief minister of Chhattisgarh from December 2018 until December 2023.

In a supplementary chargesheet submitted on Monday, the Economic Offences Wing claimed that a network involving senior bureaucrats, politicians, and excise officials operated an illegal liquor distribution system, resulting in a staggering loss of Rs 3,074 crore to the state's finances.

Chaitanya Baghel, who was arrested in July in connection with this case, is alleged to have facilitated connections between government officials and the purported liquor syndicate.

The agency has accused him of assisting in the transfer of funds collected by the syndicate allegedly led by Anwar Dhebar, another individual implicated in the case.

Anwar Dhebar is related to Aijaz Dhebar, a former mayor of Raipur and a member of the Congress party.

In exchange for his involvement, Chaitanya Baghel reportedly received a portion of the proceeds through companies associated with another suspect, Trilok Singh Dhillon, with the money allegedly funneled into family-owned businesses and real estate ventures.

According to a press release from the agency, the evidence suggests that Chaitanya personally received around Rs 200 to Rs 250 crore, indicating a significant level of financial management.

An unnamed official mentioned that while the current valuation of the liquor scam stands at Rs 3,074 crore, further investigations could push this figure beyond Rs 3,500 crore.

To date, a total of eight chargesheets have been filed in this ongoing investigation.

In response to these allegations, Chaitanya Baghel's attorney stated that the investigating agency lacks concrete evidence, asserting that the case relies on statements from absconding suspects.

In September, the Enforcement Directorate had characterized Chaitanya Baghel as the 'controller and ultimate authority' of the alleged organized liquor syndicate in Chhattisgarh, claiming he managed approximately Rs 1,000 crore from the purported scam.

Overview of the Liquor Scam Case

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau initiated an investigation into the liquor scam in January 2024, following complaints from the Enforcement Directorate.

The bureau alleged that during Bhupesh Baghel's administration, a group of bureaucrats and politicians operated an unauthorized excise department, allowing liquor sales without contributing any revenue to the state.

The FIR implicated 70 individuals, including former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, Special Secretary Arun Pati Tripathi, and IAS officer Anil Tuteja, charging them with corruption, cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.