The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Chhattisgarh Congress MLA and former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma used proceeds from an alleged liquor scam during his tenure.
On December 28, the ED conducted raids at the residences of Lakhma and his son, Harish Lakhma, in Raipur, Sukma, and Dhamtari districts as part of an on-going money laundering investigation.
In a statement, the ED reported that the search operations uncovered evidence linking Lakhma to the misappropriation of funds generated from the scam. “Evidence has been collected relating to the use of proceeds of crime by Kawasi Lakhma during the relevant period of the scam,” the ED said.
The agency alleges that Lakhma received significant cash payments monthly from the proceeds of the liquor scam, which reportedly occurred between 2019 and 2022 under the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel.
The scam is believed to involve extensive corruption within the excise department, with illicit funds being funneled through various channels. Lakhma, as the then-Excise Minister, is accused of being a key beneficiary during this period.
The ED's investigation is ongoing, with further scrutiny of financial records and related evidence expected in the coming weeks. As of now, neither Kawasi Lakhma nor his representatives have commented on the allegations.
Previously, Lakhma attributed the blame for the scam to excise department officials, describing himself as illiterate.
