Bilaspur, 8 December (Daily Kiran) – The Chhattisgarh High Court concluded the detailed hearing on Monday regarding the petition filed by Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, connected to the high-profile liquor scam and related money laundering case. After hearing arguments from both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the defence, the court reserved its judgment, indicating a decision may be announced soon. This development has intensified political discussions and speculation.
Chaitanya Baghel has been in Raipur Central Jail since 18 July following his arrest in the money laundering case stemming from the liquor scam. His petition challenged the legality of the ED’s arrest and sought relief. The agency, however, presented multiple documents and electronic records alleging serious financial irregularities against him.
The case was heard by a single bench of Justice Arvind Kumar Verma. With the court reserving its verdict, speculation within administrative and political circles has heightened.
According to the ED, crores of rupees from the alleged liquor scam were layered through complex transactions reaching Chaitanya Baghel and were later invested in real estate projects. The agency claims nearly ₹16.70 crore were invested in projects linked to him.
Investigations revealed major discrepancies between the expenses and actual investments in the ‘Vitthal Green Project (Baghel Developers)’. During raids, the ED seized numerous records and digital data, including information about a contractor receiving ₹4.2 crore in cash, which was not reflected in official documents. Statements from project consultant Rajendra Jain indicated actual construction costs were between ₹13 to ₹15 crore, while paperwork showed only ₹7.14 crore.
ED counsel Saurabh Pandey told the court that suspicious transactions amounting to ₹1,000 crore were identified during the investigation. Statements, chats, and phone records of individuals including Pappu Bansal revealed a network allegedly channeling illegal funds through people like Anwar Dhebar, Deependra Chawda, K.K. Srivastava, Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, ultimately reaching Chaitanya Baghel.
Defence lawyer Faizal Rizvi argued that the arrest was based on a one-sided approach. He questioned the reliability of Pappu Bansal’s statement, noting that Bansal, despite an NBW (Non-Bailable Warrant), was roaming freely. Rizvi added that the investigation started in 2022 without issuing any summons to Chaitanya Baghel. During a raid in March, digital devices and documents were seized from his residence and all requested papers were submitted on time. Despite this, Chaitanya was neither questioned nor given a chance to record his statement before the arrest.
The defence claimed the ED’s action violated legal procedures and that Chaitanya Baghel was targeted solely because of his relation to the former Chief Minister.
In summary, the High Court has reserved its judgment after hearing extensive arguments from both sides in the money laundering case linked to the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. While the ED alleges massive financial layering, cash transactions, and illegal real estate investments, the defence maintains the arrest is unlawful, based on unverified statements and procedural lapses. The court’s decision will be crucial in determining the future course of this case, generating keen interest across political and administrative domains.
(Daily Kiran) / Vishnu Pandey
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