CBI Raids Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Residence Amid Mahadev App Scam Probe

Raipur/Bhilai: In yet another high-profile development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted searches at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in connection with the alleged Rs 6,000 crore Mahadev app scam. The searches took place at Baghel’s properties in Raipur and Bhilai, along with locations linked to a senior police officer and a close aide of the former CM, sources confirmed.

Political Storm Intensifies

The CBI action comes close on the heels of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids, raising political temperatures in the state. Reacting to the development, Baghel’s office posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Now CBI has arrived. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was set to travel to Delhi today for an AICC meeting’s ‘Drafting Committee’ session in Ahmedabad on April 8 and 9. Before that, the CBI has reached Raipur and Bhilai.”

The Allegations & The Probe

The Mahadev app scam revolves around an alleged online betting syndicate that laundered money through a complex network of ‘benami’ accounts. The scam is estimated to involve a whopping Rs 6,000 crore. The CBI has taken over the probe from the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Chhattisgarh Police, which had earlier filed an FIR naming Bhupesh Baghel, app promoters Ravi Uppal, Saurabh Chandrakar, Shubham Soni, Anil Kumar Agrawal, and 14 others.

Baghel has consistently dismissed the allegations, calling the FIR “politically motivated.” Meanwhile, the ED, which is also investigating the case, has claimed that top politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh were deeply entangled in the scandal.

Congress Hits Back

The Chhattisgarh Congress has strongly condemned the raids, alleging political vendetta. Sushil Anand Shukla, head of the state Congress communication wing, took a dig at the BJP, stating, “Ever since Bhupesh Baghel took charge of Congress affairs in Punjab, the BJP has been rattled. First, they sent the ED to his residence, and now the CBI. This is nothing but a desperate attempt by the BJP to suppress political rivals.”

He further asserted, “Neither Bhupesh Baghel nor the Congress is afraid. The people of Chhattisgarh and the country are watching these oppressive tactics.”

Previous Cases & Political Implications

This isn’t the first time Baghel has faced the heat of central agencies. The CBI had earlier filed a case against him over a seven-year-old sleaze CD case, but he was recently discharged by the court. Additionally, the ED had raided his residence in connection with an alleged liquor scam.

With elections on the horizon and the BJP facing strong resistance in key states, the timing of these raids has sparked heated political debates. While the agencies continue their probe, Baghel’s supporters see this as an attempt to silence a strong opposition voice.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain—the battle between the BJP-led Centre and opposition leaders is only intensifying.