Son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Chaitanya Baghel, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday. The arrest is in connection with the probe into an alleged money laundering that has been linked to the liquor scam in the state.
Earlier in the morning, ED officials raided the house of Bhupesh Baghel. Following the raid, they arrested Chaitanya Baghel.
ED Claims ₹2,000 Crore Loss in Liquor Scam
The liquor scam has resulted in a loss of about ₹2,000 crore to the state, claims ED. Investigators believe Chaitanya Baghel was involved in this scam. They had previously searched the Baghel house too. On Friday, new searches were conducted on the basis of fresh evidence.
ED officials went to the Bhilai residence of the Baghel family in Durg district to carry out the search.
Non-Cooperation Used as Ground for Arrest
The ED said Chaitanya Baghel did not assist the investigation. The authorities indicated this as the reason for his arrest. Security was strengthened around the house from Friday morning. A large contingent of police personnel was deployed.
Bhupesh Baghel's supporters protested outside and condemned the ED's move.
Former CM Responds to Arrest of Son
Bhupesh Baghel reacted to the arrest, noting that it occurred on his son's birthday. He further noted that the arrest took place on the last day of the state assembly session. "We brought up the issue of felling of trees for the Adani company during the session. ED visited our residence immediately after. They presented me with a birthday gift," he said.
Tags Cloud
