Archive · 18 Dec 2025
ED Arrests Former CMO Aide in Liquor Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Saumya Chaurasia, a former aide of ex-Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, for her suspected involvement in a big liquor scam in Chhattisgarh.
The scam is said to be worth ₹3,200 crore.
Chaurasia was questioned for many hours before her arrest.
She was previously involved in another scam related to coal.
The ED believes she has important information about illegal money flows in the liquor scam.
The ED also mentioned that the scam caused a massive loss to the state exchequer and involved bribes from various departments.
She will appear in court on Wednesday.
Saumya Chaurasia, a former Deputy Secretary in the CMO and close aide of ex-Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, was arrested by the ED in the ₹3,200 crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam.
Chaurasia was questioned for nearly seven hours before her arrest and will be produced before a special court in Raipur on Wednesday at 11 am.
She was previously involved in the coal levy scam and had been released on bail earlier this year.
The ED believes Chaurasia has crucial information about illegal money flows and systemic corruption in the liquor scam.
The scam allegedly caused a loss of over ₹2,500 crore to the state exchequer and involved bribes from various departments, including the food horticulture department and the PWD Department.
- Who
- Saumya Chaurasia, a former Deputy Secretary in the CMO and suspended state administrative service official
- What
- Arrest in connection with the alleged ₹3,200 crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam
- When
- Tuesday, 16th December (date of arrest); Wednesday, 17th December (court appearance)
- Where
- Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Why
- For her alleged role in the liquor scam involving illegal transactions and misuse of government machinery
Government and ED
Congress Party and Accused
Role in the Scam
Government and ED
The ED alleges that Saumya Chaurasia and other accused individuals were involved in systemic corruption and money laundering, causing significant financial loss to the state.
Congress Party and Accused
The accused and the Congress party may argue that the allegations are politically motivated and lack substantial evidence.
Use of Government Machinery
Government and ED
The ED claims that the syndicate used government machinery for illegal activities, including collecting bribes from various departments.
Congress Party and Accused
The accused might contend that the use of government machinery was not for personal gain but for political or party purposes.
- Arrested Individual
- Saumya Chaurasia
- Alleged Scam Amount
- ₹3,200 crore
- Agency Involved
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Location of Arrest
- Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Previous Scam Involvement
- Coal levy scam
- Next Court Appearance
- Wednesday at 11 am
- Other Arrested Individuals
- Kawasi Lakhma, Chaitanya Baghel
- Properties Attached
- 3 properties worth ₹6.15 crore, including Congress Bhawan in Sukma
Sources
ED Arrests Bhupesh Baghel’s Close Aide Saumya Chaurasia in Rs 3,200 Crore Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
ED arrests former Chhattisgarh deputy chief secretary in the Baghel government in liquor scam
Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Former Deputy Secretary in CMO during the Congress government of CM Bhupesh Baghel arrested
