Chhattisgarh Ex-CM's Son Granted Bail in Alleged Liquor Scam

Court Relief for Chaitanya Baghel

Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has received significant relief from the court. The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted him bail in connection with an alleged excise duty scam in the state. This relief comes in light of cases filed by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Economic Offenses Wing.

The court's decision to grant bail was made after the final charge sheet was submitted. Recently, the ED filed a charge sheet related to the liquor scam.

Reasons Behind Chaitanya Baghel's Arrest

Chaitanya Baghel was apprehended by the ED on July 18. The agency claims that the scam allegedly caused a loss of over ₹2,161 crores to the state treasury. They identify him as the mastermind behind a network involving bribery, off-the-books sales, and manipulation of licenses. This alleged scam was reportedly conducted through the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), where bribes were taken in exchange for favorable market access for liquor manufacturers.

According to the ED, illegal sales of country liquor were conducted through government outlets, and foreign liquor licenses (FL-10A) were manipulated to benefit specific individuals. Several high-profile names are also implicated in this case, including businessman Anwar Dheber, former bureaucrat Anil Tuteja, and ex-excise minister Kawasi Lakma, all of whom are regularly accused of accepting bribes. To date, the ED has seized assets worth ₹205 crores in this case.

Financial Gains from the Scam

It is alleged that Chaitanya Baghel received between ₹200 to ₹250 crores from the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, which he reportedly invested in his real estate business. The ED's investigation has led to the arrest of several senior IAS officers, politicians, and businessmen in connection with the liquor scam.