New Delhi, February 9: The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on a petition challenging the bail granted to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, in two cases related to an alleged liquor scam. The next hearing is scheduled for two weeks from now, when the court will decide whether to uphold or revoke Chaitanya Baghel’s bail.
This case contests a High Court order that granted bail to Chaitanya Baghel in two separate cases linked to the alleged liquor scam. During the Supreme Court proceedings, Chief Justice of India (CJI) stated that the hearing is being adjourned for two weeks. The CJI also clarified that if any new developments arise during this period, the state government can present them on record.
Notably, the High Court had granted bail to Chaitanya Baghel in January concerning the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. He had filed a petition against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which the court acknowledged, leading to his bail.
Furthermore, the ED has filed a final prosecution complaint in a special court, naming 59 new individuals as accused, bringing the total number of accused to 81. Investigations indicate that this scam occurred between 2019 and 2022, during the Congress-led government in the state. The ED estimates that this illegal operation generated approximately ₹3,000 crores in illicit earnings, causing significant losses to the state treasury. According to the ED, the investigation has uncovered an organized syndicate involving bureaucrats, political leaders, and private businessmen, who profited illegally by undermining the liquor policy.