Chhattisgarh ex-excise minister made Rs 64 crore from liquor scam: EOW

Raipur, July 1 – The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has accused former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma of earning ₹64 crore illegally through the state’s liquor trade between 2019 and 2023. A new 1,200-page chargesheet, filed on June 30, outlines his alleged role in the growing liquor scam.
This is the first time Lakhma has been officially named in the case. The development has triggered political uproar, with opposition leaders calling for action and full disclosure.
How Lakhma Allegedly Earned ₹64 Crore
The chargesheet reveals that Lakhma gained an estimated ₹2 crore every month over four years. EOW officials say he used his ministerial power to reshape liquor distribution policies. This allowed him to control sales, bypass regulations, and collect illegal money.
Investigators say he earned from:
- Commissions taken from liquor traders and distillers
- Unaccounted liquor sold outside official records
- Fake holograms used to conceal illegal sales
- Money laundered into property and investments
The EOW claims they have traced his financial transactions and matched them with the scam timeline. The chargesheet includes banking data, phone records, and witness statements.
Raids and What Officials Found
As part of the probe, EOW and Anti-Corruption Bureau teams searched 39 locations linked to Lakhma and his associates. Officials seized:
- ₹90 lakh in cash
- Gold ornaments
- Property papers
- Digital devices like laptops and phones
These items allegedly contain proof of how the scam worked. In another set of 13 raids just before the chargesheet, more evidence surfaced, adding weight to the claims.
A Career Under Scrutiny
Kawasi Lakhma is a six-time MLA from the tribal-dominated Konta constituency. He held the Excise Ministry during Bhupesh Baghel’s term as Chief Minister. The Baghel government centralized liquor sales under a state-run corporation, a move now seen as the scam’s launchpad.
Critics say Lakhma used this model to build a monopoly. That monopoly helped him direct profits to political allies and personal accounts. His team has denied all allegations, calling them politically driven.
A Bigger Scam Beyond One Leader
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) believes the liquor scam may have cost Chhattisgarh over ₹2,100 crore. Their probe targets how officials, traders, and politicians allegedly worked together.
So far, several excise department staff and liquor suppliers have faced legal action. Now, the focus shifts to political leaders. EOW’s case against Lakhma shows the scam had support at the top.
Political Reactions
The BJP, which now governs Chhattisgarh, said the charges prove the Congress ran a liquor mafia. Party leaders demanded a CBI investigation and jail time for those involved.
“Public money was looted every month. The system was hijacked to benefit a few,” said BJP spokesperson Ajay Chandrakar in Raipur.
Congress leaders hit back. They questioned the timing of the chargesheet, calling it an attack on a tribal leader. Party officials suggested the BJP is using the case to damage Congress before elections.
What Happens Next?
The court will now examine the charges and review the attached evidence. If accepted, Lakhma may face arrest. Legal experts say he could be tried under:
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- Indian Penal Code sections on criminal conspiracy
- Money laundering laws
The next court hearing is expected within two weeks. Investigators are preparing to trace more of Lakhma’s money and identify other political or business links.
Conclusion
The EOW’s findings have shifted public attention from just corrupt officers to elected leaders. Kawasi Lakhma’s alleged ₹64 crore gain shows the scam reached higher levels than many expected.
This case may take months or years to conclude. But for now, it has exposed major weaknesses in Chhattisgarh’s liquor policy and added pressure on all political parties to clean up the system.