Top Indian News
+

Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma arrested in Rs 2,XXX crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh | WATCH

Chhattisgarh: Former Chhattisgarh excise minister and Congress MLA, Kawasi Lakhma, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Rs 2,161 crore liquor scam involving bribery and illegal liquor sales.

Follow us:

Kawasi Lakhma is arrested by ED in Liquor scam (X/@MrVickyPoonia)

Chhattisgarh: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Chhattisgarh excise minister and current Congress MLA, Kawasi Lakhma, on Wednesday in connection with a major liquor scam. The scam, involving illicit financial dealings worth an estimated Rs 2,161 crore, allegedly took place between 2019 and 2022.

Kawasi Lakhma Accused of Receiving Cash from Illicit Liquor Proceeds

According to the ED, Kawasi Lakhma was the primary recipient of illicit cash proceeds during his tenure as the excise minister in the Congress-led government. The agency claims Lakhma received substantial monthly sums from the proceeds of the scam, which involved various illegal activities, including bribery and unaccounted liquor sales.

The Illegal Liquor Syndicate and Corruption Details

The ED’s investigation revealed that illegal commissions were paid to distillers for each case of liquor procured by the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL). Additionally, the sale of "kacha off-the-books" liquor, which was not reported to the state exchequer, became a significant source of illegal profit for the cartel. The bribes were also used to facilitate a cartel among distillers, fixing their market shares and manipulating liquor distribution.

ED Raids and Evidence Seized from Lakhma's Premises

The ED carried out extensive raids at multiple locations in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Sukma districts, targeting the homes of Lakhma and his close associates, including his son, Harish Lakhma. The search resulted in the discovery of key evidence, including digital devices with incriminating records, showing that Lakhma had misused the proceeds of the crime.

Further Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations

Following the raids, the ED issued an attachment order of Rs 205 crore and arrested five individuals involved in the scam. The special PMLA court in Raipur has already taken cognizance of the case, and further charge sheets are expected as investigations continue.

×