Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Cash Trails and Political Tensions

The Enforcement Directorate claims that Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma used proceeds from a liquor scam for personal benefit. The ED raided his properties, finding evidence of money laundering during his tenure as excise minister. Allegations suggest the scam generated over Rs 2,100 crore illegally.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Monday that it has found evidence implicating Chhattisgarh Congress MLA and former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma in the misuse of funds acquired from an alleged liquor scam.

Following searches conducted on December 28 across several districts, including Raipur, Sukma, and Dhamtari, the ED indicated that Lakhma was the primary recipient of cash from this illegal operation during his ministerial tenure.

Digital devices holding potential incriminating records were seized. The purported scam occurred between 2019 and 2022, enriching the liquor syndicate by over Rs 2,100 crore, to the detriment of the Chhattisgarh state exchequer.