In a significant operation on Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 14 locations affiliated with former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, his son Chaitanya Baghel, and their associates. This action is part of an investigation into a ₹2,100 crore liquor scam allegedly executed during Baghel’s time in office from 2019 to 2022.
The raids, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), have sparked intense protests from Congress party members, who accuse the BJP government of pursuing a political agenda.

The ED focused on Baghel’s residence in Bhilai-3 Padum Nagar, as well as Chaitanya’s property and those of close allies, including Laxmi Narayan Bansal. Officials utilized cash counting machines and gold testing tools to examine seized assets and collected numerous documents and electronic devices. Following a lengthy 10-hour search, Baghel claimed that the ED confiscated approximately ₹32-33 lakh in cash, along with critical documents including a pen drive related to the Manturam case.

This case dates back to the 2014 Antagarh Assembly by-election, during which Congress candidate Manturam Pawar withdrew his nomination on the final day, allowing the BJP candidate to win easily. About a year later, an audio recording surfaced, suggesting that the withdrawal was the result of electoral manipulation and bribery, although Manturam was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

The ED has alleged that Chaitanya Baghel benefited from the illicit proceeds of the liquor scam, which reportedly involved inflated sales, bribes from distilleries, and manipulation of state excise regulations. So far, the agency has detained former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar, and several others linked to the operation. Assets worth over ₹205 crore tied to the scheme have been seized, with more than a dozen individuals, including former minister Kawasi Lakhma, in custody.

Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes outside Baghel’s home as Congress supporters clashed with law enforcement, throwing stones at ED vehicles and blocking roads.

In a strong reaction on social media platform X, Bhupesh Baghel condemned the raids as “yet another episode in a seven-year-long campaign of false allegations.” He remarked that if this conspiracy aims to hinder Congress in Punjab, it is miscalculated.

National Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera accused the BJP of employing diversionary tactics as the new parliamentary session begins, stating, “By raiding our senior leader’s residence, they are attempting to distract from pressing issues such as rising prices, a weak economy, and voter list fraud. The BJP needs to realize they cannot stop Congress or silence our leaders.”

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai dismissed Congress’s claims, asserting that the ED’s actions are based purely on evidence. He noted that similar investigations occurred under the previous Congress administration, resulting in arrests and ongoing legal matters.

As a show of defiance, the Congress has planned statewide effigy burnings of both the BJP and the ED on March 11, protesting the raids as an “attack on democracy” and committing to rally public support.

Meanwhile, the ED’s investigations reached properties linked to individuals such as Manoj Rajput in Nehru Nagar, Abhishek Thakur and Sandeep Singh in Charoda, Kamal Agarwal at Kishore Rice Mill in Durg, Sunil Agarwal from Saheli Jewellers, and builder Ajay Chauhan.

As the investigation into the liquor scam continues, Monday’s raids by the ED have become a central point in a larger political struggle. While the government maintains that the investigation is fair and well-supported by evidence, the Congress party asserts that it is a calculated strategy by the BJP to detract from critical national concerns.