Congress Supporters Confront Police at Bhupesh Baghel's Bhilai Residence Amid ED Investigations

Raipur, March 10 (NationPress) A confrontation erupted outside the Bhilai home of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday when Congress supporters rallied against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid linked to the alleged liquor scam. As ED teams initiated searches, Congress activists clashed with law enforcement stationed outside Baghel’s residence, chanting slogans opposing the investigative agency.

The raids are part of an inquiry into a purported money laundering case involving Baghel's son, Chaitanya Baghel, and others. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai responded to the ED's actions, stating, “Numerous scams occurred under the previous administration, and central agencies are probing them. Many individuals are already incarcerated. The ED operates as a central agency, and our government plays no part in its operations.”

This situation ignited a fervent discussion in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, with Congress lawmakers causing a stir, labeling the ED raid as a manifestation of political vendetta. Following the disruption, the Speaker expelled opposition Congress MLAs, who subsequently staged a demonstration under Mahatma Gandhi’s statue within the Assembly grounds, voicing their discontent against the central agency’s actions.

Earlier that day, the ED executed searches at 14 sites associated with Chaitanya Baghel and others in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district under the PMLA. The agency is investigating an alleged Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam that reportedly occurred between 2019 and 2022, during the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel.

The ED teams scoured Chaitanya Baghel’s home and properties linked to his close associates, including businessman Laxmi Narayan Bansal, also known as Pappu Bansal. Investigators claim to have uncovered evidence suggesting that Chaitanya Baghel was among the recipients of unlawfully generated funds.

In January, the ED apprehended former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, accusing him of playing a pivotal role in the scam and receiving Rs 2 crore in illicit monthly payments. The agency alleges that proceeds from the scam were diverted into real estate investments, inflicting significant financial damage to the state treasury. To date, assets worth Rs 205 crore belonging to various accused individuals have been seized.

The ED’s recent actions have escalated the political conflict in Chhattisgarh. Opposition parties have revived corruption accusations against the Congress, while Baghel’s office dismissed the raids as politically charged. In a post on X, his office remarked, "When the false case that has persisted for seven years was dismissed in court, the ED appeared at the Bhilai residence of former CM and Congress General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel this morning. If anyone believes they can halt Congress in Punjab through this scheme, they are mistaken."