Ex-Chhattisgarh CM Baghel, Son Move SC in CBI’s Liquor Scam Probe
In a recent development, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his son Chaitanya Baghel have approached the Supreme Court, seeking to challenge the legal jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in probing the high-profile ₹2,160 crore liquor scam. This move comes after Chaitanya’s arrest by the ED, which has been widely condemned by Bhupesh as a politically motivated act.
The liquor scam, which is believed to be one of the largest in the country, involves alleged irregularities and misappropriation of funds by several companies and individuals, including politicians and government officials. The ED and CBI have been investigating the scam since 2020, and have so far arrested several high-profile accused, including former bureaucrats and politicians.
However, Bhupesh Baghel, who was the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh at the time the scam allegedly took place, has denied any wrongdoing and has criticized the ED’s arrest of his son as a political vendetta. In a statement, Bhupesh Baghel said, “The ED is being used as a tool to target opposition leaders. My son has been wrongly implicated and arrested, and we will fight this politically motivated case to the end.”
Chaitanya Baghel’s arrest by the ED has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the central government of using its investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. The Congress party, of which Bhupesh Baghel is a senior leader, has also condemned the arrest, saying it is a “clear example of political vendetta” and a “gross misuse of power”.
The ED’s investigation into the liquor scam is still ongoing, and several high-profile accused, including former bureaucrats and politicians, are currently facing trial. However, Bhupesh Baghel’s appeal to the Supreme Court is likely to further delay the proceedings, as the court will need to hear the case and make a decision on the jurisdictional issues raised by the former Chief Minister.
In his appeal, Bhupesh Baghel has argued that the ED and CBI do not have the legal authority to investigate the liquor scam, and that the case should be handed over to the state police or another investigative agency. The former Chief Minister has also claimed that the ED’s investigation is biased and that the agency is trying to frame him and his son for political reasons.
The ED, on the other hand, has denied any political bias in its investigation and has argued that the liquor scam is a serious case that requires the attention of the central government’s investigative agencies. The agency has also claimed that Bhupesh Baghel and his son have been accused of manipulating the liquor policy in Chhattisgarh and siphoning off funds meant for the state’s development.
The Supreme Court’s decision in this case will be closely watched by political observers and the public at large. If the court rules in favor of Bhupesh Baghel and his son, it could potentially delay the investigation and trial, and further embolden opposition leaders to challenge the central government’s investigative agencies. On the other hand, if the court dismisses the appeal, it could pave the way for the ED and CBI to continue their investigation and potentially bring to justice those accused of wrongdoing in the liquor scam.
In conclusion, the appeal by Bhupesh Baghel and his son to the Supreme Court is a significant development in the ongoing liquor scam probe. The case highlights the political tensions between the central government and opposition leaders, and the potential for political vendetta and bias in investigative agencies. As the case unfolds, it will be important to monitor the Supreme Court’s decision and its implications for the investigation and trial of the liquor scam.
Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/baghel-son-move-sc-against-ed-cbi-in-liquor-scam/tldr
