Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma Arrested in Alleged Liquor Scam

Ravi Singh

Raipur: Chhattisgarh’s sitting Congress MLA and former excise minister, Kawasi Lakhma, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with an alleged liquor scam. The ED has accused Lakhma of involvement in a massive liquor racket that generated approximately Rs 2,161 crore in criminal proceeds. The agency claims that Kawasi Lakhma and his associates received bribes from distillers and indulged in the illegal sale of unreported country liquor to make illicit gains.

The ED said that the scam comprised collection of bribes from distilleries for every case of liquor acquired by Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), the state body that procures liquor, and selling of undistributed “kacha off-the-books” liquor without reporting, all the amounts amassing for them instead of directing that amount into state exchequer.

Kawasi Lakhma, when taken to court, strongly refuted the charges. Speaking to reporters, he claimed, “Not even a single penny has been found from me, but still, they have arrested me. I was cooperating with them. The BJP is falsely implicating a poor man like me.”. But I will keep raising the issues of Bastar.” Kawasi Lakhma also pointed out that his lack of education made him unaware of the details in the documents he signed, adding that he was being targeted politically ahead of the local body elections.

An investigation into this scam by the ED started this January when a formal complaint regarding the liquor scam was filed with it by the Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau. This scam has reportedly alleged that there is a criminal syndicate working along with excise officials who extorts unlawful commissions through alcohol sales to government liquor stores.

The ED on December 28 raided the residences of Lakhma, his son Harish Lakhma, and other close aides, which revealed significant evidence against them. Lakhma’s arrest has stirred a political storm in Chhattisgarh, with the Congress party claiming foul play and blaming the BJP for attempting to tarnish the image of its leaders.

The investigation into the alleged liquor scam continues, as both parties brace for the upcoming state elections.