The Economic Offences Wing and Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB) of Chhattisgarh on Monday escalated its legal action in the multi-crore state liquor scandal by filing a fresh chargesheet. The document names Chaitanya Baghel, son of former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, as a central architect and protector of an illegal collection syndicate within the excise department.
Key Figure in Syndicate Creation and Protection
According to the investigating agency, Chaitanya Baghel played a pivotal role during the relevant period. The EOW/ACB stated that he was instrumental in creating, coordinating, and shielding the alleged network that operated inside the Excise Department. The agency's official release pointed out that the scam persisted for a long duration solely due to the high-level protection and administrative influence wielded through the accused.
The chargesheet, which is the eighth in this sprawling case, was submitted before the Special Court (Prevention of Corruption Act) in Raipur. This brings the total number of charge documents, including the original, to eight. Officials clarified that the latest filing details the current probe status against all arrested individuals and includes reports on the digital evidence collected.
Alleged Financial Flow and Baghel's ₹250 Crore Share
The agency has presented startling financial allegations. It claims that evidence indicates Chaitanya Baghel not only managed the syndicate's money at the top level but also personally received a share of the illegal proceeds estimated between ₹200 to ₹250 crore.
Investigators allege he acted as the crucial link between senior bureaucrats—including then officials Anil Tuteja, Saumya Chaurasia, Arunpati Tripathi, and Niranjan Das—and the alleged ground-level operatives of the syndicate like Anwar Dhebar, Arvind Singh, and Vikas Agrawal. His role was to align administrative decisions with the network's financial interests.
The chargesheet further states that Baghel oversaw the movement of scam proceeds collected by Anwar Dhebar's team. The money was routed "to the highest levels" through trusted associates. His alleged share was received via firms linked to Trilok Singh Dhillon and then funneled into his own family firms through banking channels. These funds were reportedly deployed in under-construction real estate projects. Large sums were also transferred to family friends and associates for further investment on his behalf.
Scam Magnitude Grows, Probe Continues
The financial scale of the scandal continues to expand. Based on updated calculations presented in court, the estimated size of the liquor scam now stands at approximately ₹3,074 crore. However, the EOW/ACB has informed the court that the final tally from illegal transactions could exceed ₹3,500 crore as the investigation into all sources progresses.
The agency confirmed that the inquiry is ongoing across multiple fronts, including following financial trails, analyzing digital evidence, and examining the roles of other suspects. Further legal action is promised as new facts come to light.
