Chaitanya was arrested on July 18 last year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged money laundering activities related to the liquor syndicate operating between 2019 and 2022. In September, while already in custody, the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB/EOW) also filed charges in a corruption case against him. Investigators claim that he managed personal transactions worth nearly ₹1,000 crore and received a share of ₹200–250 crore in the larger scam, reportedly amounting to over ₹3,200 crore.
The bail hearing and subsequent order have triggered celebrations among Congress workers, some of whom had staged fireworks a day prior in anticipation of Chaitanya’s release. Bhupesh Baghel hailed the court’s decision, stating, “Truth may be troubled, but it cannot be defeated,” as supporters raised slogans and burst crackers outside the jail premises.
The High Court has also expressed serious concern over investigative lapses, particularly regarding co-accused Laxmi Narayan Bansal, who was allowed to go free despite a standing arrest warrant. The court described this as a “grave violation of law” and instructed the State DGP to personally oversee the case and ensure strict adherence to legal procedures in future investigations.
According to ED counsel Saurabh Pandey, evidence indicates that the liquor syndicate funneled large sums through intermediaries, including Anwar Dhebar, Deependra Chawda, KK Srivastava, and Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, before the funds reached Chaitanya Baghel. The syndicate allegedly manipulated supply zones, overbilled government purchases, and sold counterfeit hologram-labeled liquor in state-run stores. ACB records indicate over 40 lakh liquor boxes were illegally sold through collusion with officials and business partners.
The Chhattisgarh liquor scam, under investigation by ED and ACB, involves multiple politicians, officials, and businessmen. The scam reportedly included three major mechanisms: commission from distilleries, counterfeit hologram sales, and illegal revenue collection through manipulated supply zones.
Chaitanya Baghel’s bail marks a significant development in the ongoing probe, which continues to scrutinize the scale, finances, and network of the state-wide liquor syndicate.
