Kawasi Lakhma.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has claimed that Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Minister Kawasi Lakhma was receiving “not less than ₹2 crore per month from the Proceeds of Crime (POC)” generated by the alleged liquor scam in the State. 

In a statement released on Friday (January 17, 2025), the ED stated that Mr. Lakhma, who was arrested on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) in connection with the alleged scam valued at ₹2,161 crore, was aware of the complete operations of the Excise Department, including the liquor scam, yet he did nothing to stop the illegal and unauthorised activities. In a media interaction last month, Mr. Lakhma had denied these charges, claiming that he was an illiterate person and did not know which papers he signed. 

“He was an integral part of the syndicate and actively assisted it by maneuvering processes and procedures as per their direction. The investigation has revealed that Kawasi Lakhma was receiving not less than ₹2 crore per month from the Proceeds of Crime (POC) generated by the liquor scam. Investigation conducted by the ED has been able to collect evidence linking the use of POC obtained by Kawasi Lakhma to the construction of immovable properties,” the statement said.

The ED has already arrested former IAS officer Anil Tuteja and others, including Arvind Singh, Trilok Singh Dhillon, Anwar Dhebar and Arun Pati Tripathi, in connection with the case.