Chhattisgarh EOW Conducts Extensive Raids in Ongoing Liquor Scam Investigation, Recovers Rs 90 Lakh

Chhattisgarh's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) conducted extensive raids at 39 sites across the state on Tuesday. These operations are part of an ongoing investigation into a significant liquor scam. Officials reported that over Rs 90 lakh in cash was seized during these raids. The searches targeted residences, businesses, and other premises linked to suspects in various districts.

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The raids took place in districts such as Durg, Dhamtari, and Mahasamund. An EOW official stated that crucial documents, digital data, mobile phones, electronic devices, gold, silver, and records related to investments in properties were also confiscated. The investigation suggested that the main suspects had invested illicit funds extensively in businesses and properties through intermediaries.

Liquor Scam Investigation

On May 17, the EOW had previously raided 13 locations associated with individuals linked to Congress MLA and former state excise minister Kawasi Lakhma. Lakhma was arrested earlier this year concerning the alleged liquor scam. He is currently held in Raipur Central Jail following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January.

Lakhma, aged 71, has been an MLA six times from Konta Sukma district. He served as the excise minister in the Congress government from 2018 to 2023. According to EOW officials, an FIR filed last year named 70 individuals, including several Congress leaders and companies, based on an ED report investigating money laundering aspects of the case.

Financial Impact on State

The alleged liquor scam reportedly occurred between 2019 and 2022 under the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government. The ED claimed that this scam caused a significant financial loss to the state exchequer while enriching members of a liquor syndicate with illegal profits exceeding Rs 2,100 crore.

This syndicate allegedly involved senior state bureaucrats, politicians, their associates, and excise department officials. The analysis of seized materials and further legal proceedings are currently underway as part of the investigation.

With inputs from PTI