Chhattisgarh: ED seizes 355 plots in a colony linked to former CM Bhupesh Baghel’s son in connection with a liquor scam

Durg-Bhilai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action in a money laundering case linked to an alleged multi-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. The investigative agency has seized 355 plots in the ‘Vitthal Green’ colony, located in Kumhari-Janjgiri, which is linked to Chaitanya Baghel—the son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Assets worth approximately ₹61 crore were seized during the operation on Saturday. Following the action, a notice was also posted at the main gate of the colony.

The ‘Vitthal Green’ real estate project consists of a total of 385 plots. Since 30 of these had already been sold, they were excluded from the seizure. The ED carried out this action after receiving approval for the attachment of these properties from the Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the investigative agency, the proceeds from the alleged liquor scam were used to purchase these properties.

The seized assets include one commercial plot. Investigations by the ED indicate that funds generated from an alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh—estimated at around ₹3,000 crore—were funneled into the real estate sector and the acquisition of other assets. The agency alleges that Chaitanya Baghel was active at the top level of the liquor syndicate and managed the accounts for the illicit financial transactions. On these grounds, his properties have been brought under the scope of action related to money laundering.

Previously, on November 10, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate had issued an order for the provisional attachment of properties linked to Chaitanya Baghel. Subsequently, on December 8, 2025, a complaint was filed with the Adjudicating Authority under the PMLA. Following a hearing on March 19, 2026, the Authority upheld the action taken by the ED. Furthermore, an order issued on March 23, 2026, authorized the attachment of assets worth several crore rupees. Prior to this, the ED team had also affixed copies of this order on the outer wall of Chaitanya Baghel’s residence, located in the Mansarovar residential complex in Bhilai-3.