Wed Jan 15 14:05:55 UTC 2025: ## Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Arrested in Liquor Scam

**Raipur, Chhattisgarh –** Veteran Chhattisgarh Congress MLA and former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with a multi-crore liquor scam. The arrest follows raids on Lakhma’s properties in December and subsequent questioning.

Lakhma, a six-time MLA from Konta, vehemently denies the allegations, claiming the case is politically motivated and designed to silence him ahead of upcoming panchayat elections. He alleges that the BJP-led central government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are targeting him to suppress the voice of tribal communities in the Bastar region. He stated that no incriminating evidence was found during the ED raids.

The ED alleges that Lakhma, during his tenure as Excise Minister (2019-2022) under the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel, received substantial monthly cash payments as proceeds from the alleged liquor scam. The agency claims the scam resulted in over ₹2,100 crore in losses to the state exchequer.

Following his arrest and medical examination, Lakhma was produced before a court. Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel denounced the arrest as politically motivated, accusing the ED of acting at the behest of the BJP. Baghel expressed solidarity with Lakhma, stating that the entire Congress party stands with him. The arrest has escalated political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming elections.

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