The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a fresh offensive against corruption in Chhattisgarh, conducting raids at 14 locations in the Durg district, including properties linked to former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya. This is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged ₹4,000-crore liquor scam that has sent shockwaves across the political and administrative landscape of the state.
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The case revolves around the large-scale siphoning of revenue from government-run liquor shops, involving politicians, bureaucrats, and distillery owners. As the ED deepens its probe, the developments have sparked intense political debates, with Baghel dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this high-profile case, its implications, and what it means for the political scenario in Chhattisgarh.
The Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: A Breakdown
The liquor scam in Chhattisgarh is considered one of the biggest financial frauds in the state’s history. It is alleged that an organized syndicate involving politicians and bureaucrats diverted massive amounts of money from the sale of liquor through illegal means. According to the ED, a significant portion of the illicit funds ended up in the hands of high-profile individuals, including Chaitanya Baghel.
The scam was first uncovered in 2023 when investigators found discrepancies in the revenue generated from the state’s liquor business. Chhattisgarh’s liquor shops, run by the state, recorded a daily revenue of ₹28-32 crore. However, a parallel black-market operation was allegedly in place, allowing a select group to sell unaccounted liquor while siphoning off massive sums. This led to an estimated ₹3,800 crore loss to the government exchequer.
Key Allegations and ED’s Findings
- Massive Diversion of Funds – Investigations reveal that ₹2,161 crore from illegal liquor sales was funneled into shell companies and personal accounts. Chaitanya Baghel has been named as one of the key beneficiaries of these crime proceeds.
- Fake Hologram and Duplicate Liquor Sales – The scam involved the printing of fake holograms used on liquor bottles, facilitating unregulated sales.
- Bribery and Kickbacks – Officials in the excise department allegedly took bribes to approve the illegal liquor trade, further entrenching corruption at multiple levels.
- Political and Bureaucratic Nexus – Distillery owners, politicians, and senior bureaucrats reportedly worked in tandem to execute the scam efficiently.
Political Repercussions and Baghel’s Response
The raids and allegations come at a critical time for Bhupesh Baghel, who remains a key leader of the Congress party in Chhattisgarh. The former CM has dismissed the charges, terming them as an attempt by the ruling BJP government to discredit him ahead of the upcoming elections. He has also accused the central government of using federal agencies like the ED to target opposition leaders.
The Congress party has strongly defended Baghel, with senior leaders claiming that such raids are politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from other pressing national issues. However, the BJP has argued that the investigation is necessary to curb corruption and bring the culprits to justice.
The Bigger Picture: Corruption in India’s Liquor Trade
This case is not an isolated incident. Liquor scams have plagued various Indian states, with similar patterns of corruption emerging in states like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Delhi. The high taxation on liquor often leads to parallel black markets where illicit alcohol is sold, robbing the government of valuable revenue. The Chhattisgarh liquor scam underscores the urgent need for transparency and stricter regulations in India’s liquor trade.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The ED is expected to continue its probe, summoning more officials and scrutinizing financial records to establish a concrete trail of the illicit funds. If proven guilty, those involved could face charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Legal experts suggest that the case could have far-reaching consequences for Chhattisgarh’s political dynamics, especially if the investigation leads to further arrests of influential figures. Meanwhile, the opposition will likely use the scandal to challenge Congress’s governance in the state.
The Chhattisgarh liquor scam has exposed deep-rooted corruption in the state’s excise department, bringing high-profile political figures under scrutiny. With the ED intensifying its investigation, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this case results in significant convictions or remains another politically charged controversy.
By – Jyothi
