Chaitanya Baghel charged in ₹200–250 crore liquor scam linked to ₹3,500 crore fraud.

Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, has been charged with receiving ₹200–250 crore from a liquor scam estimated at over ₹3,000 crore, according to a 3,800-page chargesheet filed by the state’s ACB/EOW on December 22, 2025. The probe alleges he played a central role in a syndicate within the excise department from 2018 to 2023, directing officials to facilitate extortion and launder funds through family firms, associates, and real estate. The total scam proceeds may exceed ₹3,500 crore. The Enforcement Directorate previously accused him of handling over ₹1,000 crore. Former CM Bhupesh Baghel denies wrongdoing, calling the investigation politically motivated.