Bhupesh Baghel Accuses BJP of Defamation Tactics Using ED Raids

Synopsis

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has accused the BJP of orchestrating ED raids against his son and associates to damage his reputation. Following raids linked to a liquor scam, Baghel claims these actions are meant to intimidate opposition leaders and silence dissent.

Key Takeaways

Bhupesh Baghel claims BJP is behind ED raids.
Raids linked to liquor scam controversy.
Baghel alleges political intimidation tactics.
Congress protests against government actions.
FIR registered against protesters.

Raipur, March 11 (NationPress) Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel asserted on Tuesday that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids targeting his son and close associates were merely a tactic by the BJP to tarnish his reputation and credibility. An ED team conducted a raid at the Congress leader’s home in Bhilai yesterday, allegedly linked to the liquor scam.

While addressing the media in Raipur, Baghel stated, “Investigations were carried out concerning the Mahadev Satta App case, yet no evidence has been found against me. My name was implicated in the liquor scam even after the court cleared me of any wrongdoing. These raids are purely an attempt to frame and discredit me.”

He further alleged that the Central government was utilizing investigative agencies to suppress dissent.

“If you raise questions, you become a target for raids. Former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma questioned the government, and within eight hours, the ED was at his residence. I raised inquiries, and within four days, the ED was at my door,” he claimed.

Baghel accused the government of attempting to intimidate opposition leaders, stating, “This government aims to instill fear among us.”

On Monday, Congress supporters protested against the raids, shouting slogans against the government. Some engaged in clashes with the police, and an ED vehicle was reportedly attacked during the conflict. Protesters intercepted an ED car after noticing a currency-counting machine being removed. Amid the chaos, Congress worker Sushil alias Sunny Agarwal allegedly threw a stone at the vehicle, shattering its windshield.

The police have filed an FIR against 25 individuals for obstructing government operations, vandalism, and road blockades. Officials have indicated that arrests are forthcoming.

Meanwhile, the ED has summoned Chaitanya Baghel, the son of the former Chief Minister, for questioning about the alleged multi-crore liquor scam. ED teams searched the residences of Bhupesh Baghel and his son in Padumnagar, Bhilai.

After an 11-hour search, Baghel addressed the press, while his office detailed the seized items in a post on X.

“The ED has departed after seizing three items -- a pen drive containing transaction details worth crores associated with Manturam and Dr. Puneet Gupta (son-in-law of former CM Dr. Raman Singh); documents pertaining to a shell company owned by Abhishek, son of Dr. Raman Singh; and records of farming, dairy, Stridhan (valuables belonging to female family members), and ₹33 lakh in cash, for which an account will be provided to the ED,” his office reported.

Baghel also noted that ED officials had not issued an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) number, interpreting this as a sign of desperation. “It appears that raising questions in the Assembly has become a crime,” he remarked.