Synopsis
On March 15, Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, criticized the Enforcement Directorate, stating that its investigations are punitive. He asserted that his son, Chaitanya Baghel, has not received any summons related to the alleged liquor scam, despite media speculation about his questioning.Key Takeaways
- BJP's alleged conspiracy against Baghel family.
- No notice received for Chaitanya Baghel from the ED.
- Allegations of media sensationalism by the ED.
- Call for cooperation with ED if formal notice is issued.
- Questioning the prolonged investigation duration.
Raipur, March 15 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday, asserting that the mere act of investigation serves as a form of punishment. Baghel noted that his son, Chaitanya Baghel, has not been served any summons by the ED concerning the alleged liquor scandal, despite claims that he would be interrogated on March 15.
"We have not received any notice. If there is a notice, we will certainly comply. The ED is engaged in creating media sensationalism. Such agencies are being exploited to tarnish reputations. This is a scheme orchestrated by the BJP," Baghel stated during a press briefing in Raipur.
He emphasized that his son is prepared to assist in the investigation if an official notice is presented. "Chaitanya Baghel will attend as soon as we get the ED’s notice. We respect their authority," he affirmed.
Baghel further accused the central agency of disseminating false information. "A video featuring a note-counting machine in my residence was circulated widely. Our phones were confiscated by the ED. Who filmed the video and shared it with the media? The ED is attempting to damage our reputation," he asserted.
Questioning the drawn-out investigation, Baghel remarked, "Is the ED’s probe a form of punishment? This case has been under investigation since 2021 — four years have gone by. The trial has yet to commence, and no conclusive report has been submitted. This delay clearly indicates that the investigation serves as harassment."
On March 10, the ED executed raids at 14 locations linked to Chaitanya Baghel and others in Durg district of Chhattisgarh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These raids were part of an inquiry into the alleged ₹2,161 crore liquor scam in the region.
ED teams searched Chaitanya Baghel's home and properties associated with his contacts, including businessman Laxmi Narayan Bansal, also known as Pappu Bansal.
