New Delhi [India], January 16 (HBTV): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma in connection with an alleged liquor scam amounting to approximately INR 2,161 crore.

Lakhma is accused of receiving significant cash payments monthly from the proceeds of the alleged scam. He is the sixth individual to be arrested in this case. According to the ED, Lakhma was the primary recipient of illicit funds during his tenure as excise minister.

The ED's investigation into the liquor scam, which occurred between 2019 and 2022, revealed that illegal commissions were generated through multiple avenues. Bribes were collected from distillers per 'case' of liquor procured by the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), a state entity responsible for liquor procurement and sales.

Additionally, unaccounted 'kacha off-the-books' country liquor sales contributed to the illicit funds. The ED stated, 'In this case, not even a single rupee reached the State Exchequer, and all the sale proceeds were pocketed by the syndicate. The illegal liquor was sold from state-run shops only.'

The agency also highlighted bribes taken from distillers to allow them to form cartels, secure fixed market shares, and benefit select stakeholders in the foreign liquor segment.

In December 2023, the ED conducted search operations at seven locations in Raipur, Dhamtari, and Sukma districts under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These operations included raids at the residential premises of Kawasi Lakhma, his son Harish Lakhma, and close associates.

During these searches, evidence was reportedly gathered regarding the utilization of illicit funds by Lakhma during the scam period. The ED also seized multiple digital devices suspected to contain incriminating records.

The investigation identified a liquor syndicate operating in Chhattisgarh, involving individuals such as Anwar Dhebar and Anil Tuteja. In this case, the ED has already issued an attachment order for properties worth INR 205 crore. A prosecution complaint and two supplementary chargesheets have been filed, with the special PMLA court in Raipur taking cognizance of the case.

(ANI)