Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Chaitanya Baghel, son of ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, for questioning about a liquor scandal. Bhupesh Baghel claims the ED found nothing concerning during their raid, which he views as an attempt to damage his reputation.Key Takeaways
- Chaitanya Baghel summoned by ED for questioning.
- No significant evidence found during the raid, claims Bhupesh Baghel.
- ED's investigation into liquor scandal ongoing for three years.
- Bhupesh Baghel maintains the funds found were legitimate.
- Former CM criticizes the ED's motives as politically motivated.
Raipur, March 10 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, for questioning this Tuesday regarding the controversial multi-crore liquor scandal in Chhattisgarh, according to reports and sources.
The ED's team visited the residence of the former Chief Minister and his son in Padumnagar, Bhilai.
From early morning, ED officials reviewed documents and utilized machines to count currency and assess gold, as per reports.
After an extensive eleven-hour interrogation, Bhupesh Baghel spoke to the media, while his office documented the items seized by the Directorate on the X platform: "The Directorate has concluded their search, having found three items in the residence: First, a pen drive containing transaction details worth crores of rupees between Manturam and Dr Puneet Gupta (the son-in-law of Dr. Raman Singh). Second, documents related to a shell company owned by Abhishek, the son of Dr. Raman Singh. Third, information regarding farming, dairy, Stridhan (valuables belonging to female family members), and cash amounting to approximately 33 lakh rupees, the details of which will be provided to the ED."
The former Chief Minister's office highlighted an important point: the Directorate officials have not issued any ECIR number.
In a televised press conference, the ex-Chief Minister expressed his unwavering stance, stating, "I am neither intimidated by defeat nor by death."
Baghel linked the ED's actions to a sense of frustration, claiming they would pursue any means necessary. He expressed concerns about the current climate, where asking questions in the state Assembly has become a risky venture.
He shared the experience of Kawasi Lakhma, who, after posing a question in the Assembly, was imprisoned by the ED within just eight days.
The former Chief Minister elaborated on the investigation into the liquor scandal, which has been ongoing for three years without the ED presenting a final report or filing charges.
He alleged that his inquiry directed at his political rival and current Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vijay Sharma, concerning the housing scheme for the underprivileged during the ongoing Budget session, led to the ED's visit to his residence within four days. The ED's examination of the property produced documents, but none were seized.
Bhupesh Baghel mentioned that Rs 33 lakh in cash was found during the raid, alongside his substantial assets of over 150 acres of land and a successful dairy business.
He claimed that the funds were related to his family and business activities. Maintaining a calm demeanor, Bhupesh Baghel asserted that the ED had discovered nothing of significance.
He condemned the raid as a mere tactic to tarnish his reputation.
