**Title:** ED Conducts Raids at Bhupesh Baghel’s Residence in Liquor Scam Probe
**Meta Description:** The Enforcement Directorate has raided Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel’s home in connection with a ₹2,161 crore liquor scam involving his son.
**URL Slug:** ed-raids-bhupesh-baghel-residence-liquor-scam
**Headline:** Enforcement Directorate Raids Bhupesh Baghel’s Home Amid Liquor Scam Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the Bhilai residence of Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday morning. This action is part of an investigation into an alleged ₹2,161 crore liquor scam involving his son, Chaitanya Baghel.
Officials reported that the ED team, accompanied by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), arrived at the Bhilai residence around 6:30 AM in three vehicles. The searches are part of a broader inquiry into suspected financial irregularities associated with Chhattisgarh’s excise operations.
Bhupesh Baghel, who typically resides in Raipur during the Assembly session, was present at his Bhilai home when the raids commenced. He confirmed the development on social media, stating, “ED aa gayi” (ED has arrived). In his post on X, he noted that the raids coincided with the final day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly session, where he had intended to address concerns regarding alleged tree felling in Tamnar for the Adani and Mahagenco coal mines in Raigarh district.
This is not the first instance of ED action against Chaitanya Baghel. In March, the agency conducted raids at multiple locations linked to him, seizing approximately ₹30 lakh in cash, along with electronic devices and documents. The ED has alleged that Chaitanya Baghel is among those who received proceeds from the multi-crore excise scam.
According to the agency, the scam involved a network of senior bureaucrats, politicians, and Excise Department officials who operated a ‘parallel’ liquor distribution system. Officials have claimed that duplicate holograms and bottles were utilized to sell unaccounted liquor through government-run outlets, diverting significant revenue from the state exchequer during Bhupesh Baghel’s administration.
In connection with the same investigation, ED teams also searched premises associated with Laxmi Narayan Bansal, known as Pappu Bansal, who is described by officials as a close associate of Chaitanya Baghel.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the reason behind the ED raids at Bhupesh Baghel’s residence?**
A: The Enforcement Directorate is investigating an alleged ₹2,161 crore liquor scam involving Bhupesh Baghel’s son, Chaitanya Baghel, which includes suspected financial irregularities in Chhattisgarh’s excise operations.
