Raipur
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma in connection with the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam. Following his third appearance at the ED office for questioning on Wednesday, he was taken into custody. The court has granted police remand until January 21, though his son remains free.
During court proceedings, Lakhma denied any wrongdoing, stating that no money or incriminating documents were found in his possession. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP government of harassment through fabricated charges. “I will continue to raise the voice of Bastar,” he declared.
Whilst Lakhma arrived at the ED office with his son, he attended the questioning session alone, explaining that his chartered accountant was unavailable. Previously, both Lakhma and his son Harish underwent two eight-hour interrogation sessions. Lakhma stated, “The country runs according to the law, if I am called according to the law, I will come 25 times. I will answer whatever questions ED officials ask. I will respect them.”
Sources indicate that Lakhma provided significant information about liquor operations during the Congress administration. Reports suggest he attempted to deflect questions by emphasising his illiteracy and inability to comprehend documents.
The ED has remained officially silent regarding the interrogation but had previously alleged that the former minister received commissions. Additional arrests are anticipated in this case.
The investigation centres on a reported ₹2,000 crore scam involving an alleged illegal syndicate comprising IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Excise Department MD AP Tripathi, and businessman Anwar Dhebar during the Bhupesh government’s tenure.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau reports that between 2019 and 2022, government liquor outlets sold illegal alcohol using counterfeit holograms, resulting in substantial revenue losses.
