ED Raid at Bhupesh Baghel’s Residence Sparks Protest; Supporters Clash with Officials

Raipur

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Bhilai triggered massive protests on Monday. Agitated supporters blocked ED officials’ vehicles, engaged in scuffles, and even attempted to vandalize one of the agency’s cars. In response, security has been heightened outside Baghel’s residence, with a heavy police deployment in place.

According to sources, ED and bank officials arrived at Baghel’s residence with currency counting machines following reports of large amounts of cash being found. The agency has also seized several crucial documents. Additionally, ED officials are analysing data from six mobile phones found at the premises and scrutinizing records of digital transactions.

ED teams have been conducting searches since early morning at multiple locations, including Baghel’s residence in Bhilai, his close aide Chaitanya Baghel’s house, and 14 other premises across Chhattisgarh. The raids have been carried out simultaneously in Raipur, Bhilai, and other districts, with officials meticulously examining important documents.

Following the ED action, senior Congress leaders and workers gathered in large numbers outside Baghel’s residence, raising slogans against the central agency. Former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo, MLAs Devendra Yadav, Arun Vora, Girish Dewangan, Vinod Verma, along with NSUI and Youth Congress workers, joined the protest, accusing the ED of political vendetta.

Sources suggest that the raids are linked to money laundering and financial irregularities. However, the exact case under which the searches are being conducted remains unclear. Baghel’s name has previously surfaced in alleged liquor and coal scams, as well as in the Mahadev betting app case, putting him on the ED’s radar.

Reacting to the ED action, Bhupesh Baghel took to X (formerly Twitter), stating that a false case ongoing for seven years was dismissed by the court, and now the ED has arrived at his residence in a politically motivated move. He further alleged that this was an attempt to weaken the Congress ahead of the Punjab elections, but such tactics would not succeed.