Bhupesh Baghel reveals what ED found in raid: 'Rs 33 lakh cash, a pen drive, and ...'

Baghel also alleged that the presence of note-counting machines was an attempt to sensationalise the raid.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted a raid at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Bhilai town, Durg district, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged liquor scam case.

Hours after the raid, Baghel disclosed that ED officials recovered approximately Rs 33 lakh in cash from his house, where he resides with his wife, son, three daughters, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. He stated that the amount was not substantial considering his family's sources of income, which include farming on 140 acres of land and dairy farming.

Taking to microblogging site X, Baghel listed the three items seized during the raid: a pen drive containing an alleged conversation about a financial transaction involving Manturam and Dr. Puneet Gupta, son-in-law of former Chhattisgarh CM Dr. Raman Singh; documents related to SAIL linked to Raman Singh’s son Abhishek Singh; and the cash found in the house, which he described as part of family savings, farming income, and streedhan.

“I was reading the newspaper and having tea when the ED team arrived. I welcomed them as I had been expecting them for months. They found Rs 33 lakh cash, which belonged to my wife, son, daughters, and daughter-in-law. We have declared our assets, and our income sources are legitimate,” Baghel said while speaking to ANI.

He further alleged that the presence of note-counting machines was an attempt to sensationalise the raid. “An atmosphere was created to suggest something massive was uncovered, but this is merely an intimidation tactic,” he claimed.

The ED’s action is reportedly linked to an ongoing probe against Baghel’s son, Chaitanya Baghel, who is suspected to be a recipient of proceeds from the alleged liquor scam. The agency also searched the premises of Chaitanya’s associate, Laxmi Narayan Bansal, also known as Pappu Bansal, and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Speaking to reporters after the raid, Baghel alleged political vendetta, stating that the BJP-led government was targeting him following his appointment as Congress in-charge for Punjab. He also linked the ED’s actions to his recent questioning of government policies in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, citing a similar probe against former minister Kawasi Lakhma shortly after he raised concerns in the legislature.

“The liquor scam investigation has been ongoing for three years, yet no final report has been submitted or charges framed. This is an attempt to suppress the opposition,” Baghel said.

The ED has not issued an official statement on the findings of the raid.