Raipur, July 18 (H.S.). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the residences of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, this morning. Around 12 ED officials, supported by a large contingent of CRPF, arrived at Baghel's residence at 6 AM, linked to a ₹2161 crore liquor scam. Baghel stated on X that the ED's timing coincides with the last day of the Assembly session, where important issues, including tree cutting for Adani, were to be discussed.

In a post on official ‘X’account of Baghel, his office said, “Today is the last day of the assembly session. The issue of trees being cut for Adani in Tamnar was to be raised. Saheb has sent ED to Bhilai Niwas.”

The Congress confirmed the raid, noting the ED team is still present. Previous raids occurred in March 2025, involving cash seizures and the use of a note-counting machine. The investigation has exposed a liquor syndicate involving several individuals, leading to an illegal profit of approximately ₹2161 crore, with former minister Kawasi Lakhma currently in jail related to the case.

Following the raid, Congress workers gathered at Baghel's residence, with Krishna Chandrakar emphasizing that Baghel's influence poses a threat to the BJP, arguing the action aims to disrupt his political standing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar