• Source:JND
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Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its prosecution complaint, alleged that Chaitanya Baghel, son of former CM Bhupesh Baghel, was at the helm of the syndicate behind the "liquor scam" in Chhattisgarh. The Central probe agency claimed that Chaitanya personally handled nearly Rs 1,000 crore generated from it.

According to the EC, the junior Baghel knowingly assisted in the concealment, possession, acquisition and use of proceeds of crime, acting in conspiracy with other members of the syndicate.

The ED filed its fourth supplementary prosecution complaint (charge sheet) before the court of District and Additional Sessions Judge (VI) Damarudhar Chouhan on Monday.

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Chaitanya Baghel Is In Jail

Chaitanya Baghel was arrested by the central agency on July 18 following a search at his house which he shares with his father in Bhilai town of Durg district.

What Is The Case?

The alleged Rs 2,500 crore liquor scam was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 when a Congress government headed by Bhupesh Baghel in office in the state. The ED has so far filed one prosecution complaint and four supplementary ones in the case, and claimed the alleged scam resulted in a "massive loss" to the state exchequer and filled the pockets of the liquor syndicate beneficiaries.

ALSO READ: Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Explained: Why ED Arrested Ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Son Chaitanya

In the latest prosecution complaint, the ED stated that, in 2019, after the formation of the new (Congress) government in Chhattisgarh, an organised liquor syndicate was created. To run the day-to-day operations of this syndicate, Anil Tuteja, then an IAS officer, and businessman Anwar Dhebar (both named as accused in previous prosecution complaints) were chosen as the front faces, it claimed.

"At the apex of this syndicate stood Chaitanya, and his role was not just symbolic but commanding and decisive. He was responsible for maintaining 'hisab' (accounts) of all illicit funds collected by the syndicate. All major decisions relating to the collection, channelization, and distribution of funds were taken under his instructions. His position as the chief minister's son made him the controller and ultimate authority of the syndicate," it alleged.
(With PTI inputs)