Chaitanya Baghel received ₹200-250 crore from Chhattisgarh liquor scam, ACB chargesheet states

The Hindu
The Hindu
7h ago
2 views
Chaitanya Baghel allegedly received ₹200-250 crore from a ₹3,500 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh, managed by the ACB-EOW and ED.
Chaitanya Baghel received ₹200-250 crore from Chhattisgarh liquor scam, ACB chargesheet states
A What happened
The Chhattisgarh Anti Corruption Bureau-Economic Offences Wing filed its eighth chargesheet implicating Chaitanya Baghel, son of CM Bhupesh Baghel, in a large liquor scam involving an estimated amount exceeding ₹3,500 crore. Investigators claim Baghel received ₹200-250 crore from scam proceeds and managed ₹1,000 crore through trusted associates. The scam money was allegedly routed through firms linked to Trilok Singh Dhillon and family businesses, then invested in ongoing real estate projects. The Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth ₹61.2 crore belonging to Baghel’s son amidst ongoing investigations. The scam occurred during Bhupesh Baghel’s tenure as Chief Minister and has caused losses to the state exchequer. Authorities continue to probe the full scale of the illicit operations and financial flows.

Key insights

  • 1

    High-level political connections facilitate large-scale corruption: The case reveals how direct family connections to political leadership can enable access and distribution of significant illicit funds within state-level corruption networks.

  • 2

    Complex financial structuring complicates anti-corruption efforts: The movement of scam funds through multiple entities and banking channels illustrates sophisticated laundering tactics that challenge enforcement agencies and require multi-agency collaboration.

  • 3

    Significant state revenue loss amid governance scrutiny: The alleged scam's magnitude points to systemic vulnerabilities in state excise and regulatory controls, raising broader questions on governance and institutional accountability in Chhattisgarh.

Takeaways

The chargesheet against Chaitanya Baghel underscores enduring challenges in tackling corruption tied to political elites, with investigations ongoing to ascertain the full impact and recover assets. The case could prompt pressure for stronger institutional reforms in Chhattisgarh.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation Governance Corruption & Accountability

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