The Chhattisgarh High Court on Friday granted bail to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in two separate cases linked to the alleged ₹3,000 crore liquor scam in the state. The court’s decision comes amid heightened political and legal scrutiny, as investigations by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offences Wing (ACB/EOW) continue. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel welcomed the verdict, describing it as a “victory of truth” and a moment of relief for his family.

According to ED counsel Saurabh Kumar Pande, the bail pertains to two distinct cases: one registered by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with its money laundering investigation, and the other by the state ACB/EOW, which investigates corruption and economic offenses. “The court granted bail in two separate cases,” Pande confirmed, providing clarity on the procedural aspects of the ruling.

Chaitanya Baghel’s legal troubles began last year when the ED arrested him in July as part of its probe into alleged money laundering connected to the liquor scam. While in custody, he was further arrested in September by the ACB/EOW in its corruption investigation. This overlapping arrest under two separate agencies has intensified public attention, as it represents the dual scrutiny of both state and federal authorities over the alleged scandal.

The alleged liquor scam reportedly took place between 2019 and 2022, during the period when Chhattisgarh was governed by the Congress party under Bhupesh Baghel. According to the ED, the scam caused a “massive loss” to the state exchequer while benefiting a syndicate involved in liquor distribution and sales. The federal agency has alleged that Chaitanya Baghel was at the helm of the purported syndicate and personally handled close to ₹1,000 crore generated from the alleged scam.

The ACB/EOW, in its separate case, has accused Chaitanya Baghel of directly receiving around ₹200–250 crore as his personal share of the proceeds, with the total alleged gains from the scam exceeding ₹3,500 crore. These investigations, though ongoing, highlight the scale of the alleged financial irregularities and the potential involvement of high-ranking political figures in facilitating or benefiting from the purported misconduct.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel welcomed the bail order in strong terms, portraying it as a vindication against what he described as political harassment. “Truth may be troubled, but it cannot be defeated. The High Court has given a great relief. It is a matter of great happiness that Chaitanya has been granted bail,” he said, framing the decision as a triumph of justice over politically motivated prosecution.

Bhupesh Baghel further alleged that his son’s arrest was based on the testimony of a key witness, Pappu Bansal, who remains absconding. “I have been saying this from the beginning that the central and state governments have been leaving no stone unturned to harass us,” he added, criticizing agencies including the ED, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and EOW for allegedly targeting opposition leaders. Bhupesh Baghel drew historical parallels in his statement, noting that “those who get scared, join their party or compromise, while those who do not are sent to jail. Our ancestors went to jail during the fight for Independence. If they did not fear the Britishers, why should we fear them (BJP) today?”

Political reactions to the bail have been swift and polarized. While the Baghel camp hailed it as a vindication of truth, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintained a cautious stance. BJP spokesperson Sacchinand Upasane emphasized that bail does not equate to innocence, saying, “Bail does not mean that he is innocent. The case will proceed and the investigation will continue.” The remark underscores that despite the temporary relief granted by the court, legal proceedings against Chaitanya Baghel are expected to continue and may take months, if not years, to reach a resolution.

Legal experts note that bail in high-profile corruption and money laundering cases is often granted on specific grounds such as procedural considerations, the health or personal circumstances of the accused, and the likelihood of cooperation with ongoing investigations. They caution that such orders do not preclude continued investigation or eventual prosecution if sufficient evidence emerges. In the Chhattisgarh liquor scam cases, the dual involvement of both federal and state investigative agencies ensures that the legal scrutiny remains comprehensive, even with bail granted.

The alleged liquor scam has been one of the most significant financial corruption probes in Chhattisgarh in recent years. According to ED filings, the syndicate orchestrated a systematic scheme to manipulate liquor distribution, allegedly resulting in substantial financial gains for select individuals while causing significant losses to the state exchequer. Investigators claim that the scam involved sophisticated accounting and the creation of a network to handle proceeds of crime, which has been partially reconstructed through documents, bank records, and witness statements.

The ACB/EOW has focused on the alleged personal enrichment of Chaitanya Baghel, suggesting that a significant portion of the illicit proceeds flowed directly into his accounts. By estimating his share at ₹200–250 crore, the state agency has highlighted the magnitude of the alleged corruption while also suggesting the possibility of a larger network benefiting from the scam. The dual investigations by ED and ACB/EOW reflect both financial and administrative dimensions of the alleged misconduct, including money laundering, embezzlement, and abuse of political influence.

Observers note that the timing of the bail is politically sensitive, occurring amid ongoing tensions between the state and central governments. Allegations of targeting opposition leaders through high-profile cases have become a recurring theme in Indian politics, with parties on both sides accusing each other of misusing investigative agencies for political ends. Bhupesh Baghel’s comments following the bail reinforce the narrative that the case is intertwined with broader political dynamics, even as legal proceedings unfold in the courts.

The liquor scam case also highlights broader systemic challenges in governance and oversight of revenue-generating sectors such as alcohol distribution. Experts point out that large-scale corruption often involves multiple layers of bureaucracy, political influence, and complex financial transactions. Investigations in such cases can take considerable time due to the need to examine voluminous records, trace the flow of funds, and establish links between multiple accused individuals.

While Chaitanya Baghel’s bail offers immediate relief for him and his family, legal experts emphasize that the case is far from over. The court’s decision allows him temporary freedom but does not absolve him of potential criminal liability. Investigations by the ED and ACB/EOW will continue, and additional charges or summons may be filed as new evidence emerges. Analysts predict that the case could remain a focal point of political and legal attention in Chhattisgarh for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, the Chhattisgarh High Court’s decision to grant bail to Chaitanya Baghel represents a significant development in one of the state’s largest alleged financial scandals. The case, which involves allegations of a ₹3,000 crore liquor scam and high-level money laundering, is being investigated by both the federal ED and the state ACB/EOW. While the bail provides temporary relief to Chaitanya Baghel and has been celebrated by his father as a victory for truth, the ongoing investigations, dual legal proceedings, and political ramifications ensure that the case will continue to attract attention. The coming months will be critical in determining the course of the investigations, the accountability of those implicated, and the eventual resolution of one of Chhattisgarh’s most high-profile alleged corruption scandals.