Bhupesh Baghel

The ED claimed in a statement that Chaitanya "handled" more than Rs 1,000 crore worth of "proceeds of crime" generated from a liquor "scam" in the state and used Rs 16.7 crore for the development of his real estate project.

The Mahadev Online Book scam is one of India’s biggest illegal betting operations, covering sports events, card games and even Indian elections.

The probe began after the ED traced financial transactions linked to a lavish Rs 250-crore wedding in the UAE, organised by Mahadev app co-founder Sourabh Chandrakar, raising suspicions of hawala operations and overseas money laundering.

CBI teams reached Baghel's residences in Raipur and Bhilai, as well as the houses of a senior police officer and a close associate of the former CM.

The searches went on for about eight hours, during which the ED seized about Rs 30 lakh cash and some documents, sources said

According to sources, ED conducted the raids based on information that Chaitanya Baghel allegedly received proceeds of crime generated from the liquor scam.

Chhattisgarh Lok Sabha Elections: In a move that has stirred political anticipation, the Congress party has announced its selection of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel as its candidate for the Rajnandgaon constituency in the upcoming elections.

Chhattisgarh's Congress party banks on seasoned leaders for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Notably, their initial candidate list features ex-chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, two former state ministers, and a current MP.

Aditya L1 Mission Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "India creates yet another landmark. India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 reaches it destination. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realising among the most complex and intricate space missions. I join the nation in applauding this extraordinary feat. We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity."

Alleged cash courier, Asim Das, retracts statement, claiming framing in Mahadev app case; denies delivering cash to politicians, challenging ED's narrative.

Chhattisgarh Elections 2023: BJP’s central leadership supercharged the BJP campaign in a way that was inconceivable a few months ago. PM Modi’s frontal attacks on a well-placed Bhupesh Baghel shook the Congress but will it be enough to counter Baghel’s careful nurturing of the farm vote? 

"After the Congress government is formed again in Chhattisgarh, women in the state will be provided an annual assistance of Rs 15,000 directly into their bank accounts under the Chhattisgarh Gruha Lakshmi Yojana," the incumbent chief minister noted, while also extending Diwali greetings to the people of the state.

The Congress did not give tickets to four sitting MLAs this time Premsai Singh Tekam (Pratappur), Chintamani Maharaj (Samri), Brihaspat Singh (Ramanuganj), and Vinay Jaiswal (Manendragarh).

The ED claimed on November 3 that a forensic analysis and a statement made by a "cash courier" have led to "startling allegations" that Mahadev betting app promoters have so far paid about Rs 508 crore to Baghel and that "these are a subject matter of investigation".

"Never before in our electoral history have people seen such evidence," Union Minister Smriti Irani told a press conference, accusing Baghel of fighting the polls not with the support of people but hawala and betting operators.

A graphical snapshot of the state’s economy, which has had a balanced performance in recent years, lifting an estimated 4 million out of poverty in five years. However, the state government has also had to face accusations of impropriety in implementing central government schemes.

Localised rebellions over ticket distribution are hurting BJP while the Bhupesh Baghel-TS Singhdeo factional fights cloud the Congress defence of its government. Meanwhile, the OBC and Adivasi communities are in a state of churn with no indication which way they will shift

Baghel announced that the proposed power plant will be named after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, carrying close to 2,000 passengers cumulatively, and a goods train were involved in a derailment-collision accident near Bahanagar Bazar station in the eastern state on Friday night

The incident took place under Aranpur police station limits when a team of the state police's District Reserve Guard (DRG) was returning after an anti-Naxalite operation, a senior official said.