Chhattisgarh: ED Questioned Former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma For 8 Hours In Liquor Scam

Raipur: The Enforcement Directorate team questioned the former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma for approximately 8 hours on Friday. He arrived at the ED office in Raipur before noon, accompanied by his son Harish and his former OSD Jayant Devangan, and left around 8 p.m.

After the interrogation, Lakhma made a statement saying that he is a poor tribal man and will continue to advocate for tribal rights. “The BJP is harassing me, but I will fight this to the end”, Lakhma said.

Before questioning, he insisted that he is innocent; no cash was found. Those who trouble me will have to face divine justice, he said.

Meanwhile, the ED claimed earlier to have found evidence against him in a liquor scam, alleging he took commissions from illegal liquor sales.

Lakhma asserted that all documents seized were related to the assembly, emphasizing that the truth cannot be hidden. He claimed that he has consistently raised the voice of Bastar in the Assembly and accused the BJP of targeting him because of his electoral success. "They haven't won a Zila Panchayat or Nagar Panchayat in 15 years", Lakhma said that is why I am targeted.

In response to the ED's earlier raids, Lakhma reiterated his innocence and clarified his assets, noting, "I am not from a political family. My son purchased 2 acres in Jagdalpur in 2009; I own no other property." He mentioned his previous work with Tora, Mahua, and Tamarind before joining Congress and winning a ticket from Sukma.

The ED had previously arrested five individuals, including liquor businessman Anwar Dhebar and Excise Department officer AP Tripathi, citing evidence. Major actions against Lakhma are anticipated.

Regarding the ED's inquiries, Lakhma earlier stated that he requested time to gather necessary documents, affirming his respect for the law and his willingness to cooperate truthfully. He declined to comment on political matters or media questions then.

On December 28, 2024, the ED raided Lakhma's residence in Dharampura, Raipur, and also searched properties belonging to his associates and family in Sukma. In the liquor scam investigation, searches were conducted at seven locations in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Sukma under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002.

The ED has reportedly gathered evidence of cash proceeds from crime linked to Lakhma during the scam, along with several digital devices containing incriminating records.

The investigation revealed that Lakhma was involved in a liquor syndicate operating in Chhattisgarh, which resulted in a scam totaling Rs 2,161 crore, with evidence suggesting he received monthly commissions.