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Ex-CM Baghel's son got Rs 250 crore as his share from Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam': Chargesheet
RAIPUR: Chaitanya, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore as his share from an alleged liquor scam in the state, the Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) has claimed in its chargesheet. The state police's ACB/EOW, in its seventh supplementary chargesheet in the multi-crore liquor scam filed before a special court here on Monday, claimed Chaitanya Baghel played a key role in establishing, coordinating, and protecting an extortion racket (syndicate) within the excise department (during the previous Congress government, which was in office from 2018-23). The voluminous document, running into around 3,800 pages, has named Chaitnaya Baghel as an accused in the alleged scam pegged at more than Rs 3,000 crore, an ACB/EOW statement said. With this, a total of eight chargesheets have been filed in the case so far. The latest chargesheet details the current status of the investigation against the arrested accused, along with digital evidence reports about all those in custody. The document also outlines the progress of the ongoing probe against the accused persons. The statement quoting the chargesheet said Chaitanya Baghel acted as coordinator among officials such as Anil Tuteja, Soumya Chaurasia, Arunpati Tripathi, and Niranjan Das, who worked in line with the syndicate's interests at the administrative level and as ground-level operatives of the network, such as Anwar Dhebar, Arvind Singh, and Vikas Agarwal (all co-accused), and issued instructions to them. Chaitanya Baghel worked through his trusted associates to transfer and manage proceeds of the scam collected by businessman Anwar Dhebar's team, moving the funds to higher levels, it claimed. He allegedly received his share of the proceeds through various firms belonging to liquor businessman Trilok Singh Dhillon, transferring it through banking channels to his family firms and using it in real estate projects. Furthermore, he was also found to have received and invested large sums of money generated out of the scam through banking channels via his family members, friends, and associates, the chargesheet claimed. The probe agency said, Evidence indicates that Chaitanya, along with managing the proceeds of the crime at a higher level, received around Rs 200 crore-Rs 250 crore as his share. The investigation has also revealed that high-level protection, policy/administrative intervention, and influence provided to the syndicate by Chaitanya Baghel enabled this crime to be perpetrated for a long period, it claimed. The ongoing investigation suggests the amount involved in the liquor scam is estimated to be approximately Rs 3,074 crore. However, further investigation suggests the total amount of the proceeds of crime generated out of the alleged scam could exceed Rs 3,500 crore, it added. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the money laundering angle in the alleged scam, arrested Chaitanya Baghel on July 18 following a search at his house, which he shares with his father, a Congress politician, in Bhilai town of Durg district. As per the ED's prosecution complaint (chargesheet) filed earlier, Chaitanya Baghel handled more than Rs 1,000 crore worth of proceeds of crime generated from a liquor scam in the state. The central agency has stated that the alleged scam resulted in a massive loss to the state exchequer and filled the pockets of beneficiaries of a liquor syndicate. The scam was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 when then-CM Bhupesh Baghel headed the Congress government in Chhattisgarh. Money was illegally collected from every bottle of liquor sold in Chhattisgarh (between 2019 and 2022), said the anti-money laundering agency. Chaitanya Baghel was arrested by the ACB/EOW in September while he was in jail under judicial custody. The ED in January arrested former excise minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, businessman Anwar Dhebar (brother of Congress leader and former Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar), former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi and a few others as part of their probe in the case. The EOW/ACB registered an FIR on January 17, 2024, in the alleged scam, naming 70 individuals and companies, including Lakhma and former chief secretary Vivek Dhand. After his son was arrested, former CM Baghel claimed that the action was taken because the Congress, during its rule, tried to stop the cutting of forests and mining activities in the state. The Congress leader also alleged that the probe agencies were being misused to target Opposition leaders.
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has signed MoUs with six state universities to launch a new academic course named Rakshak Curriculum that will focus on child rights and protection. Cited to be the first academic programme of its kind in India, the initiative is a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Child Rights & Protection. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that Rakshak Curriculum will play a significant role in creating a safer and more responsible future for students. The course will generate job opportunities creating trained professionals equipped to work in the given stream of child rights and protection. Its our collective responsibility to guide children who fall into vulnerable citations owing to innocence back on the right path, he added. The curriculum is described as a milestone in developing compassionate, aware and service-oriented youth. Until now, no university offered a curriculum dedicated to child rights and protection alongside the career opportunities. Realising the need, the Commission has developed 'Rakshak Curriculum that will provide students with theoretical and legal knowledge, understanding of government schemes and institutions, insights into departmental processes, and practical exposure to child protection units, a government spokesperson said. Designed to cultivate awareness and emotional sensitivity, the programme will build efficient, committed and trained human resources for the field. Training, mentorship and course support will be provided to universities free of cost by the Commission. The universities that have entered into the agreement to run the course are Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Sant Gahira Guru University, Surguja, Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism & Mass Communication, Raipur, Anjaneya University, Raipur, Amity University, Raipur, Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, Bhilai-Durg. During the signing of an MoU, the CM elucidated that with over 350 administrative reforms enacted, Chhattisgarh is progressing swiftly on the path of good governance. In the same sequence, the state government has also set up the Department of Good Governance and Convergence.
India-Russia ties direct outcome of Indo-Soviet partnership cemented in 1955: Congress
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IIT Bhilai Student's Death Sparks Probe Into Medical Negligence
The death of Saumil (Somil) Sahu, an 18-year-old first-year at IIT Bhilai, has triggered outrage on campus and prompted a police investigation into alleged medical negligence by the institute's health centre.
India will bring revolution through 7 pillars of AI Mission: LG
Says 89 pc startups into technological innovation Jammu Tawi, Nov 10: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Monday said that India will bring a new revolution in agriculture, health, climate sector and governance through the seven pillars of AI Mission. Addressing the annual convocation of Indian Institute of Technology, Bhilai at Chhattisgarh, LG Sinha [] The post India will bring revolution through 7 pillars of AI Mission: LG appeared first on Northlines .
India Built Dynamic Tech Ecosystem Despite Global Challenges: LG Sinha
BHILAI, Nov 10: India has succeeded in creating a dynamic technology ecosystem and continues to strengthen its position as the worlds fastest-growing economy despite challenges like trade tariffs and skill gaps, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday. India has now become the worlds fourth-largest economy and is on course to become [] The post India Built Dynamic Tech Ecosystem Despite Global Challenges: LG Sinha appeared first on Northlines .
Excavator operator stripped, assaulted at stone quarry in Chhattisgarh; seven booked
BALRAMPUR: An excavator machine operator was allegedly stripped, tied up and brutally assaulted by seven persons after being accused of stealing diesel in Chhattisgarh's Balrampur district, police said on Saturday. A video of the assault, which has surfaced on social media, shows a group of people kicking and thrashing a man stripped to his undergarments with his hands and legs tied with a scarf. An official said a case was registered on Friday in connection with the assault that took place at a stone quarry in Bhilai Khurd village under the Bariyo police chowki limits on November 4. The victim, Vinod Sarthi (25), a resident of Baghima village, was employed as a poclain operator at a stone crusher unit in Bhilai Khurd for the last three years. According to the official, Sarthi, in his complaint, has alleged that on the day of the incident, Sanjay Pradhan, the accountant of another stone crusher unit, arrived at the quarry with his associates Ravishankar, JP Yadav, Monu Das, Ramlal, Deepak Agrawal and another person and started verbally abusing and thrashing him after accusing him of stealing diesel. The victim claimed that the accused stripped him and tied his hands and legs with a scarf before punching and kicking him inside a room, he said. Sarathi has further alleged that his associate Varun Sharma was also stripped and assaulted by the accused, he said. The official said that four of the accused have been taken into custody and a case has been registered under relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Chhattisgarh to embark on plan to create integrated capital region covering four cities
RAIPUR: The BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh government will venture into a major development plan next month, to create the State Capital Region (SCR) after Governor Ramen Deka approved a bill passed during the last monsoon session in the Assembly. The concept for the establishment of Chhattisgarh Capital Region, said to be on similar lines of the National Capital Region, will incorporate four citiesRaipur, Nava Raipur, Bhilai-Durg under one integrated development master plan. The notification on the SCR has been issued with a publication in the state gazette. According to the notification, the entire plan has been divided into nine zones, explaining in detail when, what and how the various works are going to be accomplished while carrying out simultaneous development of the four cities. The state NITI Ayog has elucidated the development plan for cities to be integrated as SCR in the vision document 'Chhattisgarh Anjor 2047.' The planned urbanisation programme will give priority to 13 major areas, including education, healthcare, transport, information technology, business, tourism, skill training, and modern infrastructure. The development of SCR will further serve as the growth engine for the state's economy as well. It will boost the scope of industrial investment, and expedite possibilities of urban development and employment in the region, said Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The issuing of notification makes way for the setting up of a Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). The SCR will integrate 23 civic bodies and around 700 villages, an official said. A well-planned survey and conceiving a detailed project report (DPR) for SCR remain in focus to ensure efficient public services for the population that is expected to exceed 50 lakh by 2031. To meet the growing demand of urbanisation and rising population pressure, the CRDA will work similarly to the NCR Planning Board, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, he added. The chief minister will serve as the chairperson of the CRDA and the authority will have ministers of urban administration and development, housing and environment, and public works department, along with the state's chief secretary and secretaries from key departments. The urban population of Chhattisgarh is stated to be around 27 per cent and this is expected to touch 45 per cent in 2047. The process of land acquisition and the development in the SCR will be done by the CRDA after it comes into existence. The creation of SCR, envisioned as a growth engine in the state, was among the pledges declared by the ruling BJP in its 2023 Assembly poll manifesto.
NCLT orders insolvency proceedings against Bhilai Jaypee Cement
NEW DELHI, Oct 22: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has directed for initiation of insolvency proceedings against Bhilai Jaypee Cement, a subsidiary of debt-ridden group Jaiprakash Associates Limited, for a default of Rs 45 crore. The direction of Cuttack bench of NCLT came after it admitted a plea filed by the companys operational creditor Sidhgiri Holdings Pvt Ltd, to which Bhilai Jaypee Cement owed Rs 45 crore against supply of coal. A two-member NCLT bench also appointed an [] The post NCLT orders insolvency proceedings against Bhilai Jaypee Cement appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Could roses help heal diabetic wounds? A new research paper finds out
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Chhattisgarh EOW arrests Chaitanya Baghel after HC denies pre-arrest bail in multi-crore liquor scam
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh State Bureau for Investigation of Economic Offences (EOW) on Wednesday arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, following the High Courts refusal to grant him pre-arrest bail. Earlier, the EOW had presented a production warrant before the special court in Raipur, seeking custody of Chaitanya for interrogation in connection with the alleged liquor scam. Chaitanya was produced before the court on Wednesday and has been remanded to EOW custody until 6 October. After the High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, the Raipur special court also refused to grant any relief. On 15 September, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed its fifth supplementary charge-sheet, spanning 7,000 pages, against Chaitanya in the special court as part of the ongoing investigation into the multi-crore liquor scam. Chaitanya was earlier arrested by the ED on 18 July from his residence in Bhilai. The ED has identified him as the ultimate authority and controller of the liquor syndicate that began operations in 2019 during the tenure of Congress CM Bhupesh Baghel. Court sends Chaitanya Baghel, son of ex-Chhattisgarh CM, to judicial custody in liquor 'scam' case According to the EDs charge-sheet, two co-accused, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja and Anwar Dhebar, were designated as the front figures responsible for managing the operational and administrative aspects of the syndicate. The federal probe agency has alleged Chaitanyas key involvement in laundering over Rs 1,000 crore in proceeds from the excise scam. He is said to have played an authoritative decisive role in handling funds, acting as the apex figure in the group to promote a common interest. Chaitanya is also alleged to have been a major beneficiary of the illegal revenue generated by the liquor syndicate, which operated in coordination with businessmen and political figures. In addition to the ED, the EOW has registered a case and is conducting a parallel investigation into the liquor scam. Earlier this year, the state agency filed a charge-sheet against 22 excise officials and six-time Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma in connection with the case. ED arrests Chaitanya Baghel, son of Bhupesh Baghel, in liquor 'scam' linked money laundering case
RAIPUR: The opposition Congress on Tuesday launched a three-day Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod Abhiyan (thief of votes, give up the seat) padyatra campaign from Raigarh to highlight the alleged irregularities in the voter lists among the masses in Chhattisgarh. The programme commenced with a public rally addressed by the party state in-charge Sachin Pilot and the signature campaign. While blaming the BJP for alleged vote theft and claiming that the Election Commission (EC) took no notice of evidence of electoral wrongdoing, Pilot said, The time has come for all to get aware, understand and fight for the right as a voter. Rahulji has given evidence on vote theft. Everyone respects and submits before the might of democracy but we will never tolerate any conspiracy intended to plunder the democracy. The party leaders stated that the evidence presented by the Leader of Opposition Rajul Gandhi about the 'irregularities' in the countrys electoral system, particularly the voters list, is serious and raises questions over the fairness of recent elections. The Chhattisgarh home minister Vijay Sharma said that the Congress should not spread confusion and mislead the people in the name of voter theft. From Raigarh, the three-day padyatra will pass through Korba, Takhatpur, Mungeli, Bemetara, Rajnandgaon, Durg and culminate at Bhilai on September 18 covering a distance of over 530 km in the state. The Congress during the programme has planned to organise foot-march, signature campaigns, torch processions, motorcycle rallies and public meetings, said Sushil Anand Shukla, chairman Congress media cell. The functioning of the Election Commission has been under suspicion for the last few years. Why EC is denying digital voter lists to political parties. The elections of the country were being rigged and votes stolen, alleged Deepak Baij, state Congress president. The leader of opposition Charandas Mahant, former CM Bhupesh Baghel, former deputy CM T S Singhdeo, party secretaries S Sampat, Jarita Laitphlang, Vijay Jangid, along with senior leaders, office bearers, workers and supporters will attend the padyatra campaign.
Liquor scam: ED files charge-sheet against former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghels son
RAIPUR: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday filed a 7,000-page charge-sheet (prosecution complaint) against Chaitanya Baghel , son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, before the special court at Raipur in connection with the ongoing probe linked to the multi-crore liquor scam case . Chaitanya was arrested by ED on July 18 at his Bhilai residence. The ED had cited Chaitanyas alleged key involvement in laundering over Rs 1000 crore in the excise scam case and a portion of the massive scandal channelised into his real estate project Vitthal Green under Baghel Developers. ED has earlier claimed that the investigation has divulged on how Rs 16.70 crore in liquor scam proceeds were seemingly laundered via Baghels real estate ventures, besides in such entities like Dhillon City Mall, Dillon Drinks. Chaitanya, according to the probe agency, emerged as a key beneficiary of the illegal revenue contributed from the alleged liquor syndicate coordinated through businessmen and political individuals. The Central probe agency estimated that Proceeds of Crime of around Rs 2,161 crore have been generated by the suspects in the liquor scam. The Chhattisgarh state Bureau for Investigation of Economic Offences (EOW) has also presented a production warrant before the special court on Monday, seeking the custody of Chaitanya for interrogation into the liquor scam. Besides the ED, the EOW has registered a case in the liquor scam and is probing into it. The state investigating agency has earlier this year filed charge-sheet against 22 excise officials and a six-time Congress MLA, Kawasi Lakhma, in the given case. 'This is a pattern': SC chides ED in Chhattisgarh liquor scam case for 'making allegations without evidence'
