Arrest Sparks Political Uproar in Chhattisgarh
Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday in connection with a high-profile money laundering case linked to an alleged ₹2,100 crore liquor scam. The arrest, carried out amid tight security, triggered immediate chaos in the state Assembly, forcing an adjournment as Congress MLAs staged a vociferous protest.
Bhupesh Baghel, a senior Congress leader and vocal critic of the BJP-led central government, took to social media to sarcastically thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling the timing of his son’s arrest a “birthday gift.” He also claimed the arrest was politically timed to coincide with the final day of the state Assembly’s monsoon session, where contentious issues, including environmental concerns over a mining project in Raigarh, were scheduled for discussion.
The Alleged Liquor Scam: A ₹2,100 Crore Hole
According to the ED, the money laundering case revolves around a large-scale liquor scam that allegedly operated during Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as Chief Minister. The agency claims that a network of senior state bureaucrats, politicians, and excise officials ran a “parallel” liquor distribution system. In this system, liquor was sold to the public through unofficial channels, with revenues bypassing the state treasury — resulting in an alleged loss of ₹2,161 crore to the exchequer.
The ED has labelled Chaitanya Baghel as a “recipient” of the proceeds of this crime. His arrest was made under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following what the agency described as a lack of cooperation during its investigation.
This is not the first time a high-profile figure has been arrested in this case. Earlier this year in January, Kawasi Lakhma, the state’s former Excise Minister, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in the same scam. The case has already become one of the most significant corruption probes in Chhattisgarh’s recent political history.
Political Drama and Opposition Walkout
Following Chaitanya’s arrest, all Congress MLAs, including Bhupesh Baghel, staged a walkout from the Assembly on Friday morning. Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant condemned the move, accusing the ED of acting under pressure from the BJP to suppress dissent.
“The arrest is not about law enforcement; it’s political coercion,” Mahant said. Congress legislators walked out shouting slogans, including “Ek pedh Maa ke naam, baaki sab Baap ke naam,” referencing ongoing concerns about deforestation in tribal areas of the state.
Baghel also linked the raids to his recent visit to Tamnar, where he publicly supported tribal villagers protesting tree cutting for a coal mining project. The mine in question is allotted to Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO), but the MDO (Mine Developer and Operator) contract has been awarded to the Adani Group — a consistent flashpoint in Congress-BJP clashes.
“To please their master (Adani), Modi and Shah have sent the ED to my house,” he said. “We are not afraid. We will fight. They can pressure us all they want, but Bhupesh Baghel will not bow down.”
A Pattern of Political Targeting?
Congress leaders argue that the arrest of Chaitanya Baghel and the broader liquor scam probe are part of a national pattern where central agencies like the ED and CBI are allegedly misused to target opposition leaders, especially before elections.
The March 10 CBI raid on the Baghel family residence in connection with the Mahadev betting app scam is often cited as another example of such targeting. Baghel, speaking to the media outside his Bhilai home, accused the Modi government of using federal agencies to suppress political opponents and shield corporate interests.
ED’s Stand and the Road Ahead
The ED maintains that its actions are legally justified and based on evidence of serious financial wrongdoing. The arrest of Chaitanya Baghel, according to the agency, follows due process and is part of a broader crackdown on financial crimes in the state. However, the timing of the arrest — on Chaitanya’s birthday and the last day of the Assembly session — has provided ample political ammunition to the Congress.
Legal Probe or Political Pressure?
The arrest of Chaitanya Baghel has once again blurred the lines between legal investigation and political theater. While the ED insists it is acting within the ambit of the law to investigate a multi-crore scam, the opposition sees a pattern of selective enforcement aimed at discrediting and demoralizing political rivals.
As India’s electoral season intensifies, the incident will undoubtedly become a rallying point for opposition parties alleging democratic erosion and misuse of institutions. For Bhupesh Baghel and the Congress, the challenge lies not just in legal defense but also in shaping public perception — a battle that may prove as critical as the courtroom one.
(With agency inputs)
