Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Chhattisgarh EOW Names 29 Excise Officials in ₹3,200 Crore Liquor Scam

Investigators arrested 13 suspects including former minister Kawasi Lakhma, relying on digital evidence to secure summons for dozens more officers.

Distilleries were allegedly directed to manufacture surplus liquor and dispatch it directly to high-sales shops. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

Overview

  • The Economic Offences Wing filed its fourth supplementary chargesheet in Raipur naming 29 serving and retired excise officers in a liquor corruption network operating from 2019 to 2023.
  • Fresh evidence lifted the scam’s estimated value from Rs 2,161 crore to over Rs 3,200 crore based on parallel sales of unaccounted hologram-bearing liquor.
  • Thirteen individuals have been arrested so far, including Congress MLA and former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma.
  • Despite the detailed accusations, none of the newly named officers have been detained, with most continuing in their official roles.
  • The special court is set to issue summons for dozens more suspects as investigators trace digital and financial links for further arrests.