Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma Arrested in ₹2,161 Crore Liquor Scam
The Enforcement Directorate alleges the former excise minister received substantial monthly cash proceeds from a liquor syndicate between 2019 and 2022.
- Kawasi Lakhma, a six-time Congress MLA and former excise minister of Chhattisgarh, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- The ED claims the alleged liquor scam generated ₹2,161 crore in illegal proceeds through bribes, unaccounted liquor sales, and cartel formation by distillers.
- Raids conducted at Lakhma’s premises in December 2024 uncovered evidence suggesting his involvement, though Lakhma denies the allegations, calling the case politically motivated.
- The scam reportedly operated during Lakhma's tenure as excise minister in the Congress-led government from 2019 to 2022, with proceeds bypassing the state exchequer.
- Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, have criticized the arrest, alleging it is an act of political vendetta by the BJP-led central government.
Hindustan Times 
Free Press Journal 
