Raipur
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) conducted simultaneous raids at 15 locations across five cities in Chhattisgarh on Saturday morning as part of their ongoing probe into the multi-crore liquor scam. The targeted cities included Sukma, Jagdalpur, Dantewada, Ambikapur, and Raipur.
Raids in Raipur Linked to Former Minister Kawasi Lakhma
In Raipur, ACB-EOW teams raided the residences of construction contractor G. Nageshwar Rao and former Congress municipal election candidate G. Srinivas Rao in Shaheed Hemu Kalani Ward, Devendra Nagar. Both individuals are reportedly close associates of former minister and current MLA Kawasi Lakhma and his son Harish Lakhma. Around 8–10 officials arrived in two vehicles and seized key documents and digital evidence. Another search was conducted at the residence of Kamlesh Nahata in Santoshi Nagar, where financial documents are under scrutiny.
Raids in Dantewada, Sukma, and Jagdalpur
In Dantewada, the residence of Congress leader Rajkumar Tamo, considered an associate of Lakhma, was also searched. In Sukma, raids were conducted at four locations, including three in the district headquarters and one in Tongpal. These sites reportedly include hardware stores and petrol pumps linked to Lakhma. Jagdalpur also saw action, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Textile Firm Under Scanner in Ambikapur
In Ambikapur, the residence and business premises of Dhajaram-Vinod Kumar—a textile firm previously implicated in the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scam—were raided. The firm’s owners, Mukesh Agarwal and Vinod Agarwal, are already facing FIRs and were previously investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department.
Chief Minister’s Statement
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai confirmed that complaints had been received regarding irregularities and assured that both central and state agencies were actively involved. “Whoever is found guilty will be punished,” he said.
Emergence of More Key Figures Expected
Sources suggest that documents and financial records gathered during the raids may expose more prominent individuals connected to the scam. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network.
Understanding the Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
The scam, under investigation by the ED and now the ACB-EOW, is estimated to be worth over Rs 2,100 crore. It allegedly took place during the previous Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel, involving a syndicate that manipulated liquor procurement, sales, and licensing.
Key Accused:
- Anil Tuteja, IAS officer
- A.P. Tripathi, former MD, Excise Department
- Anwar Dhebar, businessman
- Kawasi Lakhma, former Excise Minister and current MLA
Allegations Against Lakhma
According to ED, Lakhma played a central role in the syndicate, influencing liquor policy changes and allegedly receiving Rs 2 crore monthly over three years—totaling Rs 72 crore. The funds were allegedly used for building his son Harish Lakhma’s house and the Congress office in Sukma.
Modus Operandi (2019–2022)
Part A: Commission on Legal Sales
Bribes were allegedly collected from liquor distillers for every case procured and sold through the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL).
Part B: Sale of Illicit Country Liquor
Unaccounted-for liquor was sold via government-run shops, with profits diverted to the syndicate, bypassing the state treasury.
Part C: Market Cartelisation and Licensing Bribes
The syndicate allegedly facilitated a liquor cartel, charging commissions to guarantee market shares and collecting bribes from FL-10A license holders involved in imported liquor.
What is the FL-10 License?
Introduced by the state government, the FL-10 license allowed selected private firms to procure foreign liquor and supply it to the state. It included two types:
- FL-10A: Purchase Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) from other Indian states and supply it to the department.
- FL-10B: Purchase foreign-branded liquor within Chhattisgarh and supply it to the department.
Though procurement and storage were managed by license holders, transportation was ultimately handled by the state-run Beverage Corporation.
This operation marks a significant escalation in the state’s crackdown on systemic corruption. With evidence mounting and more influential figures likely to emerge, the probe may expand further in the coming days.
