Raipur, July 18, 2025:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted fresh raids at the premises of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in connection with its ongoing investigation into the alleged ₹2,000 crore liquor scam in the state.

Searches were conducted at multiple locations in Raipur and Durg, including properties linked to close associates of the senior Congress leader, who had earlier served as CM from 2018 to 2023.

Baghel Calls Raids a Distraction Tactic

Reacting strongly to the ED action, Bhupesh Baghel alleged that the raids were “not about corruption, but about silencing questions.” He claimed the timing of the raids was linked to his recent criticism of massive tree felling for mining projects in the Hasdeo Aranya forest region.

“These raids are meant to divert attention from the real issues—how forests are being cleared, how tribal land is being looted, and how mining companies are getting unchecked clearances,” Baghel said on social media.

He added,
“Whenever I ask uncomfortable questions, the BJP government sends ED or Income Tax after me. But I will not be silenced.”

Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Background

The ED has been probing an alleged scam in liquor licensing and distribution during Baghel’s tenure as CM. The agency has claimed that a nexus between senior officials, politicians, and private distributors led to a massive loss of revenue to the state exchequer.

According to the ED, illegally collected money from liquor sales was allegedly used for political funding and personal gain. Several officials and businessmen were previously arrested or questioned in the case, which dates back to early 2022.

Baghel has consistently denied the allegations, stating that the charges are fabricated and politically motivated.

Congress Comes Out in Support of Baghel

The Congress party has condemned the fresh ED raids, calling them part of the BJP-led Central government's “systematic targeting of Opposition leaders.”

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said:
“This is the classic Modi-Shah playbook—send ED or CBI after any Opposition leader who dares to speak out. Bhupesh Baghel is being harassed because he is raising his voice against environmental destruction and tribal displacement.”

Party leaders in Chhattisgarh staged protests outside the ED office in Raipur, demanding an end to what they termed “vendetta politics through federal agencies.”

Raids Trigger Political Heat in Poll-Bound Chhattisgarh

The raids come at a sensitive time, with Chhattisgarh expected to go to polls in late 2025. The BJP has been aggressively campaigning in the state to wrest power from the Congress, which lost the Lok Sabha elections but remains a strong player in the region.

Political analysts say the renewed ED activity may sharpen the political battle, especially as Baghel still holds significant sway among OBC and tribal voters.

“This is as much about law enforcement as it is about controlling the pre-election narrative,” said political commentator Devika Sinha. “The central agencies are setting the stage, and the Opposition knows it.”

Tree Felling for Mining: The Other Battle

Bhupesh Baghel has recently been in the spotlight for raising strong objections against forest clearances and tree cutting for coal mining projects in the Hasdeo region, a biodiversity-rich zone inhabited by tribal communities.

Baghel had accused the current BJP-led state administration of bypassing local voices, fast-tracking approvals for corporate interests, and launching “a war on forests”.

He said the central government is giving green signals for brown profits, and the raids were meant to divert media attention from the growing protests against mining.

Centre Silent, ED Yet to Issue Statement

While central government ministers have refrained from commenting, ED officials have confirmed that digital devices, financial records, and land documents were seized during the raids. As of now, the agency has not named Bhupesh Baghel as an accused, but sources say his financial transactions during his tenure are under scrutiny.

The ED is expected to summon several individuals linked to Baghel’s network for questioning in the coming days.

Opposition Demands Judicial Oversight

The INDIA bloc has demanded that all actions by the ED and CBI in Opposition-ruled states be brought under judicial oversight to prevent misuse. Congress leaders are also contemplating approaching the Supreme Court if the “raids continue without transparency.”

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said,
“Democracy is not served by weaponising investigative agencies. If Baghel is guilty, let due process take its course. But raids on the eve of protests and rallies look more like state-sponsored intimidation.”

Conclusion: A Political Raid or Legitimate Probe?

As the raids on Bhupesh Baghel stir a fresh political storm, questions are again being raised about the use of central agencies in India’s electoral landscape. With multiple Opposition leaders under probe and Chhattisgarh heating up ahead of elections, the line between law and politics continues to blur.

For now, Baghel remains defiant, the Congress stands by him, and the BJP denies involvement. But in India’s current climate, every raid is a political message, and every silence speaks volumes.

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