ED summons former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, his son for questioning in alleged liquor scam

Raipur
Former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma was interrogated by Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials at their Raipur office. Lakhma’s son Harish Kawasi and his former OSD, Jayant Dewangan, were also present. Before entering the office, Lakhma claimed, “I am innocent, a poor man. The government is deliberately framing me. Whoever troubles me will face consequences from the Almighty.”
He further stated that all documents seized from his house and car were related to the Legislative Assembly and that no cash or valuables were found. He asserted, “They can do whatever they want, but they cannot hide the truth.”
The ED claims to have evidence implicating Lakhma in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. According to the agency, Lakhma allegedly received commissions from the illegal sale of liquor.
Lakhma remarked, “I have consistently raised the voice of Bastar in the Assembly, and this action against me is a result of that. I have been winning elections continuously, and the BJP has failed to win district or municipal panchayat elections here. That is why I am being targeted.”
Lakhma clarified that apart from two acres of land acquired in Jagdalpur in 2009, he owns no other property. He emphasized that he is not from a political family and started his journey as a trader in tora (a local produce), mahua, and tamarind before joining the Congress and securing a ticket from Sukma.
On December 28, 2024, ED raided Lakhma’s residence in Raipur’s Dharmpura area and several locations linked to him, including properties of close associates in Sukma and Raipur. ED claims to have recovered incriminating digital devices and records connected to proceeds of crime worth Rs 2,161 crore in the liquor scam.
The ED alleges that a syndicate involving IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Excise Department MD AP Tripathi, and businessman Anwar Dhebar executed a Rs 2,161 crore scam between 2019 and 2022.