ED arrests Chhattisgarh Congress leader Ramgopal Agrawal in liquor scam probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Ramgopal Agrawal, a senior Congress leader from Chhattisgarh, in connection with an alleged liquor scam in the state. The arrest, which took place after questioning on Tuesday, is part of a wider investigation into irregularities in the state's excise policy.

Agrawal, who has held key positions in the Chhattisgarh Congress unit, was taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has not yet issued an official statement detailing the specific charges against him, but sources familiar with the probe said the arrest relates to alleged financial irregularities in the sale and distribution of liquor in the state.

The case stems from a complaint alleging that the Congress-led state government, under Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, favoured certain private firms in excise contracts, causing losses to the exchequer. The ED had registered a money laundering case in 2022 and had conducted multiple searches across the state linked to the alleged scam.

Agrawal was summoned for questioning earlier this month and appeared before the investigating agency. He was arrested after his statement was recorded, officials said. He is expected to be produced before a court in Raipur, where the ED is likely to seek his custody for further interrogation.

The Congress party has reacted sharply to the arrest, with leaders calling it a politically motivated move by the central government to target opposition figures ahead of the upcoming elections. Party spokespersons have asserted that Agrawal is innocent and that the allegations are baseless. They have also accused the ED of being used as a tool to destabilise the elected government in Chhattisgarh.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been demanding a probe into the alleged liquor scam, said the arrest validates its charges of corruption against the Baghel government. BJP leaders have called for a comprehensive investigation and accountability for those involved.

The arrest is the latest in a series of actions by central investigating agencies in states ruled by non-BJP parties. In recent months, the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have questioned and arrested several politicians and businessmen in separate cases, triggering accusations of selective misuse of federal agencies.

Legal experts say that while the ED has the authority to arrest under the PMLA, the courts have often scrutinised such actions for adherence to procedural safeguards. Agrawal's lawyers have indicated they will challenge the arrest in the high court, arguing that there is no evidence of his involvement in the alleged scam.

Ramgopal Agrawal is known as a close associate of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and has served as the treasurer of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee. He has also been involved in the party's organisational activities for decades.

The liquor scam, as alleged by the opposition, involves a purported nexus between state excise officials and private liquor contractors. The Chhattisgarh government has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the excise policy was implemented transparently and that the allegations are politically motivated.

The ED investigation is ongoing. It remains to be seen whether the agency will name other individuals or firms in its charge sheet. The case has drawn national attention, with opposition parties citing it as another instance of the centre's alleged overreach against state governments.

As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the courts to determine the veracity of the allegations against Agrawal and ensure that due process is followed. Until then, the former Congress leader remains in custody, facing a legal battle that could have significant political implications in the state.