Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Ex-Minister Kawasi Lakhma in the Spotlight

In a significant development, Chhattisgarh's Economic Offence Wing (EOW) has submitted a 1200-page supplementary chargesheet concerning the massive Rs 2100 crore liquor scam, naming the arrested Congress MLA and ex-excise minister Kawasi Lakhma as an accused. The indictment marks a crucial step in uncovering the financial wrongdoing alleged against high-profile figures in the state's previous government.

According to the EOW's investigation, Lakhma, who served as the excise minister from 2019 to 2023, allegedly amassed a fortune by utilizing his ministerial position for personal gain. The EOW release highlights evidence of Lakhma diverting Rs 64 crore through a series of illicit cash transactions, with documentary evidence of at least Rs 18 crore in investment or expenditure.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing the money laundering aspect, noted that the liquor scam significantly depleted state resources while benefiting conspirators with over Rs 2100 crore. In a recent move, the ED attached assets valued at Rs 6.15 crore, linked to Lakhma's family, further tightening the probe against the former minister, who remains detained in Raipur.

(With inputs from agencies.)