Why was Chaitanya Baghel Sent to Judicial Custody for 14 Days?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chaitanya Baghel has been remanded to 14 days in custody.
- The Enforcement Directorate alleges extensive money laundering.
- Over Rs 1,000 crore is implicated in the scam.
- Political tensions are rising around the investigation.
- Multiple arrests have already taken place.
Raipur, July 22 (NationPress) A Special Court in Raipur has remanded Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, to 14 days of judicial custody related to the Chhattisgarh liquor scam.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) presented Chaitanya before the Special Court after five days of questioning.
The agency claims that Chaitanya was instrumental in laundering over Rs 1,000 crore connected to the extensive excise scam.
According to the remand documents and testimonies provided by the ED, Chaitanya was pivotal in orchestrating large cash transfers via a network involving various businessmen and political figures. Furthermore, the ED asserts that a segment of the scam funds was redirected into Chaitanya’s real estate enterprise, the Vitthal Green Project, managed by Baghel Developers.
Investigations led to the discovery of financial discrepancies within the firm’s accounting records. Following Chaitanya's arrest, the ED stated that their investigation unveiled his receipt of Rs 16.70 crore in illicit proceeds, allegedly funneled through his real estate projects, including the Vitthalpuram Project. He is also said to have coordinated transfers amounting to Rs 1,000 crore with figures from the liquor syndicate.
The ED has referenced banking trails and cash transactions associated with Baghel and his associates. Several other individuals have also been detained. The ongoing investigation has triggered significant political controversy. As the probe progresses, the ED continues to explore the financial connections and real estate associations, while opposition leaders claim political vendetta.
The ED commenced its investigation based on an FIR filed by the ACB/EOW, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, under various sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, concerning the liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. The police inquiry has indicated that the Chhattisgarh liquor scam has led to substantial losses for the State Exchequer, enriching beneficiaries with over Rs 2,500 crore from the Proceeds of Crime generated by scheduled offences.
This case, which has already resulted in multiple arrests and asset forfeitures, is evolving into one of the most politically charged corruption investigations in recent memory.