CBI Conducts Raids at Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's Residences in Raipur and Bhilai
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Synopsis
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids at the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai. This follows previous Enforcement Directorate investigations into a major liquor scam involving Baghel's family and associates.
Key Takeaways
- CBI raids at Bhupesh Baghel's residences.
- Raids linked to ongoing liquor scam investigation.
- CBI faced resistance at MLA Devendra Yadav's home.
- Previous ED raids targeted Baghel's son and associates.
- Political protests erupted in response to the actions.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) executed raids on the residences of ex-Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress figure Bhupesh Baghel in both Raipur and Bhilai on Wednesday.
The CBI teams arrived at his properties in the morning hours.
A message on his X profile indicated that the "CBI has arrived", and Baghel is set to travel to Delhi for a crucial party meeting.
"Now CBI has come. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to depart for Delhi today for the meeting of the 'Drafting Committee' formed for the upcoming AICC assembly in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) on April 8 and 9. Prior to that, the CBI has reached the Raipur and Bhilai residences.
The announcement on his X profile was made by his office.
Reports suggest that the raids are also being conducted at locations connected to Baghel's close associates.
At approximately 7:45 a.m., a CBI team arrived at the residence of Bhilai MLA Devendra Yadav to investigate the Mahadev case. However, Devendra's supporters obstructed the CBI officers' entry.
A central agency team was also at the residence of Baghel's advisor, Vinod Verma.
Further updates are awaited, pending official confirmation.
Earlier on March 10, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 14 locations associated with Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former CM Bhupesh Baghel, and others in Durg district under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This was part of the ongoing inquiry into the alleged Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam in the state. ED teams searched the home of Chaitanya Baghel and premises linked to his close associate and businessman Laxmi Narayan Bansal, also known as Pappu Bansal.
Investigation reports indicate that Chaitanya Baghel may have benefited from the illegally acquired funds.
In January, the ED arrested former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, claiming he played a significant role in the scam and failed to take action against the illegal liquor trade. Lakhma is accused of receiving Rs 2 crore in illicit payments monthly. The agency alleges that proceeds from the scam were funneled into real estate investments, causing substantial losses to the state treasury.
The ED's actions have triggered a political controversy in Chhattisgarh, prompting Congress supporters to protest outside Bhupesh Baghel's residence in response to the ED raids.
The liquor scam is reportedly claimed to have occurred between 2019 and 2022 when the Congress government, led by Baghel, was in power. To date, the agency has attached assets worth Rs 205 crore belonging to various accused individuals.
