Bhupesh Baghel’s son Chaitanya. (Source: File)
The Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau Monday alleged that former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel’s son Chaitanya personally benefited by Rs 200–250 crore in the alleged liquor scam between 2019 and 2022, when his father was at the helm of the state.
In its supplementary chargesheet filed Monday, the EOW, one of three agencies investigating the case, claimed that a “syndicate” of senior state bureaucrats, politicians and excise department officials ran a “parallel” department, selling illegal liquor and causing a loss of Rs 3,074 crore to the state exchequer. Chaitanya, who was arrested in the alleged liquor scam in July, has been accused of acting as a bridge between officials and the alleged liquor syndicate, including Anwar Dhebar, brother of Raipur mayor Aijaz Dhebar of the Congress and an accused in the case.
According to investigators, Chaitanya allegedly helped transfer scam proceeds collected by Anwar Dhebar’s team to higher levels and, in return, received his share through firms belonging to another suspect, Trilok Singh Dhillon. The money was then allegedly funnelled into family-owned firms and real estate projects.
“The scale of the scam evidence indicates that besides managing funds at a high level, Chaitanya personally received approximately 200- 250 crore rupees,” states a press release issued by the agency.
According to an EOW official, the valuation of the liquor “scam” currently stands at 3,074 crore rupees.
“However, further investigation into all sources suggests this illegal amount is likely to exceed 3,500 crore rupees,” the official added.
The case pertains to allegations that a criminal syndicate, in connivance with excise officials, bootlegged alcohol to government liquor shops and extorted illegal commissions from sales. Chaitanya was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, which is also probing the allegations, on July 18.
When contacted, Chaitanya’s lawyer Faisal Rizvi told The Indian Express that the EOW “has no evidence”.
“They are making a case based on statements of absconding accused in the case,” he said.