Chaitanya Baghel’s Judicial Custody Extended to August 18 in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam Case

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A special court in Raipur has extended the judicial custody of Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, until August 18 in connection with the alleged multi-crore liquor scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had sought an extension to continue its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Chaitanya Baghel was arrested on July 18 after ED searches at his Bhilai residence, which he shares with his father. The agency alleges that he managed over ₹1,000 crore in illicit proceeds from the alleged liquor syndicate and diverted approximately ₹16.7 crore into a personal real estate venture.

His initial 14-day judicial remand ended on Monday, prompting the ED to request an extension. The court also directed the agency to submit its chargesheet within a week.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has condemned the arrest, claiming that central agencies are being misused to target opposition leaders. He has said that his family will cooperate with legal proceedings but has called the timing of the case politically motivated.

In a related development, the Supreme Court declined interim relief to both Bhupesh and Chaitanya Baghel, advising them to approach the Chhattisgarh High Court for any legal remedies. The court also permitted them to challenge the constitutional validity of certain PMLA provisions.

The liquor scam, estimated to be worth between ₹2,100 crore and ₹3,200 crore, allegedly took place between 2019 and 2022 during the Congress-led government. Several key figures have already been arrested, including former minister Kawasi Lakhma and retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja.

With custody extended, the ED will continue gathering evidence and statements as part of its investigation. The chargesheet is expected to detail the alleged money trail and the involvement of various individuals linked to the scam.