ED Raids in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: Former Minister Kawasi Lakhma and Associates Under Scrutiny

Raipur
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted 15-hour-long raids at five locations in Chhattisgarh on Saturday, as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged Rs 2000 crore liquor scam. Prominent among those raided were the residences of former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, his son Harish Lakhma, and their associates. The ED has taken some individuals into custody and issued summons to others, including Kawasi and his son.  
On the second day of the raids on Sunday, Lakhma stated that he and his son have been summoned for questioning on Monday. He claimed that the ED raids were politically motivated, targeting him for speaking against the government in the assembly and exposing major scams. He accused the BJP of playing dirty politics and alleged that officials like A.P. Tripathi had kept him in the dark about the matter.
Lakhma claimed to be illiterate and that officials had misused his signature on documents. He denied any involvement in the scam.    He alleged that the raids were a result of his exposing major scams in the assembly and speaking against the government.
The ED seized cash, documents, mobile phones, and electronic devices during the raids.