Synopsis
The ED has raided Chaitanya Baghel's residence in Bhilai, linked to alleged financial misconduct associated with his father, Bhupesh Baghel, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The operation is part of a wider investigation involving multiple locations across the state.Key Takeaways
- ED raids residence of Chaitanya Baghel.
- Connected to financial irregularities and money laundering.
- Bhupesh Baghel denies allegations.
- Raids part of larger operation in Chhattisgarh.
- Concerns raised over political motives.
Raipur, March 10 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed raids on the residence of Chaitanya Baghel, the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in the Padumnagar area of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh on Monday. The operation involved multiple teams arriving in four Innova vehicles. Reports indicate that this might be part of a broader initiative, with the central investigative agency targeting around 14 locations statewide, some of which are associated with Chaitanya Baghel.
Chaitanya's office responded quickly to the raids, stating: “Despite the false case that has persisted for seven years being dismissed in court, today the ED has visited the Bhilai residence of former Chief Minister, and Congress General Secretary, Bhupesh Baghel this morning.”
The statement further added, “If there are attempts to impede Congress in Punjab through this conspiracy, that is a misapprehension,” at 9:28 a.m.
The raids are reportedly linked to alleged financial misconduct and money laundering cases, including a notorious liquor scandal.
Bhupesh Baghel, who is under scrutiny for irregularities in the liquor sector during his administration, has persistently refuted these claims.
This is not the first instance of the ED carrying out a search in Chhattisgarh concerning Baghel. Earlier in 2023, during an election period, the ED conducted searches at the residences of Baghel’s political advisor Vinod Verma and two Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) in Raipur and Durg districts.
The ED team is probing the issue further, examining documents and evidence to chart the next course of action.
The agency has yet to issue an official comment regarding the Monday morning raid, nor has the former Chief Minister made a statement.
During earlier ED raids on political advisor Vinod Verma's residence in 2023, Baghel expressed apprehensions at a press conference, indicating that additional raids might occur against his close associates to hinder his government’s operations.
In 2023, the ED alleged that forensic analysis and statements from a 'cash courier' implicated promoters of the Mahadev App in paying Rs 508 crore to Bhupesh Baghel. The ED had claimed that the promoters of the Mahadev betting app, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, had bribed the former Chief Minister with Rs 508 crore. The ED had conducted raids in Chhattisgarh targeting money laundering operations connected to the Mahadev online betting app, which is under investigation pursuant to intelligence indicating significant cash movements.
