Liquor Scam: SC Tells Bhupesh Baghel, Son to Seek Relief from Chhattisgarh High Court

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya Baghel to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for relief from investigation and arrest in the money laundering case related to the state’s multi-crore liquor scam.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi requeted the High Court to hear the matter quickly and decide on the petitions without delay.

Separate Plea Required for PMLA Challenge

In connection with their challenge to certain parts of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)—mainly the Enforcement Directorate’s powers to investigate and arrest—the Supreme Court asked them to file a separate petition. That new petition will be reviewed by the court on August 6.

Chaitanya Baghel was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on 18 July and was presented before a court on 22 July. The court ordered 14 days of judicial custody. He then approached the Supreme Court for protection from arrest, but the court directed him to seek relief from the Chhattisgarh High Court instead.

ED Says Scam Caused Loss of Over Rs 2,161 Crore

Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya are named as accused in what the ED describes as a massive liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. The agency considers Chaitanya Baghel to be a key figure behind the alleged illegal operations.

According to the agency ED, the state lost over Rs 2,161 crore due to the scam. An illegal network allegedly worked through the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL). This group is accused of taking bribes from liquor companies in exchange for market access. The money was reportedly laundered through off-record country liquor sales, irregularities in FL-10A licenses for foreign liquor, and other cartel-like arrangements.

Political Reactions and Rising Tensions

Several big names have been linked to the case. The ED has named Anwar Dhebar, ex-bureaucrat Anil Tuteja, and even pointed fingers at former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, who allegedly received routine bribes. Authorities have already attached assets worth ₹205 crore as part of the investigation.

The Congress party has condemned the arrests and accusations, calling them politically motivated. Party leaders allege that the BJP-led central government is misusing enforcement agencies to target opposition leaders in the run-up to future elections in Chhattisgarh. With growing political tensions and more ED raids expected, the case is likely to play a major role in shaping the state’s political scene in the coming months.