ED Team Attacked at Ex-Chhattisgarh CM Baghel’s House Amid Raids
In a shocking incident, a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was attacked and manhandled by a group of people outside the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur on Monday. The incident occurred after the ED team conducted raids on the residential and other premises owned by Baghel and his son in connection to the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam.
According to sources, the ED team had reached Baghel’s residence in the early hours of the day to conduct the raids, which triggered a strong reaction from the locals. A group of people, reportedly Congress workers, gathered outside the residence and started protesting against the raids. The protesters allegedly became violent and started manhandling the ED officials, including the officers who were conducting the raids.
The ED officials, who were carrying out the searches, were forced to take shelter inside the residence as the protesters became more aggressive. The situation was later brought under control with the help of the local police, who arrived at the spot and managed to disperse the crowd.
The ED officials were conducting the raids as part of an investigation into the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam, which involves irregularities in the purchase of liquor by the government-owned Chhattisgarh State Beverages Corporation Limited (CSBCL). The scam is estimated to be worth several crores of rupees.
The ED officials seized documents and other materials from Baghel’s residence and other premises during the raids. The agency is expected to register a case in connection with the scam soon.
The Congress party, which is in power in Chhattisgarh, has denied any wrongdoing by Baghel or his family members. The party has accused the ED of conducting the raids as part of a political vendetta.
The latest incident is not the first time that Baghel has been linked to a controversy. He has been accused of misusing his position as the Chief Minister to help his family members and friends. In 2021, he was accused of issuing a notification to increase the price of liquor in the state, which benefited his family members who own a liquor business.
The ED has been investigating the Chhattisgarh liquor scam since 2021, and the latest raids are a part of that investigation. The agency has already seized several crores of rupees in cash and other assets from various premises in the state.
The incident has sparked a heated debate in the state, with opposition parties accusing the Congress government of shielding Baghel and his family members. The opposition parties have demanded an inquiry into the incident and the alleged scam.
In a statement, the ED said that it would register a case in connection with the incident and would also investigate the allegations of irregularities in the purchase of liquor by the CSBCL.
The ED’s action comes at a time when the state is already reeling under a liquor shortage. The shortage has led to protests by liquor shop owners and workers, who are demanding that the government take immediate steps to resolve the issue.
The latest incident has raised questions about the credibility of the Congress government in the state. The opposition parties have accused the government of being involved in the liquor scam and of shielding Baghel and his family members.
The ED’s raids have also raised questions about the role of the state government in the scam. The opposition parties have demanded an inquiry into the role of the government in the scam and the alleged irregularities in the purchase of liquor by the CSBCL.
The Congress party has denied any wrongdoing by Baghel or his family members. The party has accused the ED of conducting the raids as part of a political vendetta and has demanded an inquiry into the incident.
The latest incident is a major setback for Baghel, who has been facing criticism from the opposition parties over his handling of the liquor shortage and the alleged scam. The incident has also raised questions about the credibility of the Congress government in the state.
