ED Links Rs 72 Cr Proceeds to Congress Bhawan and Kawasi Lakhma’s Son’s House in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
ED Links Rs 72 Crore to Congress Bhawan Construction in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a staggering Rs 72 crore in illicit funds connected to the notorious Chhattisgarh liquor scam. These funds, accumulated between 2019 and 2022, were allegedly used to finance the construction of the Congress Bhawan in Sukma and the house of Kawasi Lakhma’s son, Harish Lakhma. The revelations have intensified the ongoing investigation into the Rs 2,000 crore scam, which has attracted significant political attention.
The involvement of prominent figures, including Lakhma, a former excise minister in the Congress-led government, has raised serious concerns over corruption and misuse of public funds during the party’s rule. These new findings have placed the Congress in the spotlight, sparking outrage and demands for further scrutiny into the party’s financial dealings.
The Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam: A Growing Scandal
The Chhattisgarh liquor scam, which reportedly flourished under the Congress government in the state, involves illegal commissions, the sale of spurious liquor, and duplicate holograms on bottles. According to the ED, the Rs 72 crore in proceeds was directly linked to the illicit activities of a liquor syndicate operating in the state.
In a crucial development on the matter, Kawasi Lakhma was arrested after questioning by the ED. The agency claims that Lakhma received a monthly commission of Rs 2 crore for facilitating the operations of the illicit liquor trade. The funds allegedly linked to the construction of Congress Bhawan in Sukma and the lavish home of Lakhma’s son highlight the corruption that allegedly took place under the watch of the Congress government.
Allegations of Corruption: The Congress Bhawan Controversy
One of the most controversial aspects of the ED’s findings is the alleged use of ill-gotten funds for the construction of the Congress Bhawan in Sukma, a hub of political activity in tribal-dominated Bastar. Key figures, including Arunpati Tripathi and Arvind Singh, revealed during interrogation that bribes were regularly routed to Lakhma with the help of excise department officers, Iqbal Khan and Jayant Devangan. According to the ED, Tripathi managed the operations and made sure Lakhma signed off on key documents, facilitating the operation’s success.
The scandal has sparked outrage, particularly in Bastar, where Lakhma holds considerable influence. The BJP has seized the opportunity to target the Congress, accusing it of exploiting public funds for political gain. Senior BJP leader Kedar Kashyap has even described the Congress Bhawan as a “monument to corruption,” claiming that the funds used for its construction were meant for the welfare of the people, not the party’s political interests.
Political Fallout: BJP Accuses Congress of Systematic Plunder
The BJP has intensified its criticism of the Congress, particularly former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, whom they claim orchestrated the scam. According to Kashyap, the construction of the Congress Bhawan using publicly siphoned funds is evidence of a systemic plunder under Congress rule. The BJP’s statement further alleges that key Congress figures, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, were the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds misused for political purposes.
This accusation has given the BJP ample ammunition in its battle against the Congress in the state, where the party has long been in power. The involvement of Kawasi Lakhma, a senior figure in the party, has further fueled the BJP’s claims of widespread corruption.
Lakhma’s Defense: Denials and Legal Challenges
While the charges against Lakhma and his associates are severe, he has denied all allegations and expressed his confidence in the judicial process. His lawyer, Faizal Rizvi, has questioned the ED’s evidence, highlighting the fact that no significant cash was found during the raids on Lakhma’s properties. Rizvi has also pointed out inconsistencies in the ED’s claims, particularly questioning why no cash or assets linked to the alleged monthly payments were found at Lakhma’s residence.
However, the ED has maintained that the sophisticated methods used by the liquor syndicate, including the sale of spurious country liquor, were designed to siphon off public funds without leaving a direct paper trail. The agency argues that duplicate holograms and illegal commissions were key elements of the scam, with Lakhma allegedly playing a significant role in facilitating these operations.
The BJP’s Demands for Further Investigation
As the investigation continues, the BJP has intensified its calls for a comprehensive probe into the involvement of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and other senior Congress leaders in the scandal. The BJP has vowed to ensure that all culprits are brought to justice and the public resources misused during the Congress rule are accounted for.
Conclusion: Political and Legal Ramifications
The ongoing investigation into the Chhattisgarh liquor scam has brought to light disturbing allegations of corruption, misuse of power, and financial misconduct. With the ED linking the illicit proceeds to both the Congress Bhawan and the Lakhma family’s assets, the scandal continues to shake the political landscape of Chhattisgarh.
As the probe intensifies, the Congress faces increasing scrutiny, particularly from the opposition, which is keen to capitalize on the scandal as the state prepares for future elections. The fate of those involved, including Kawasi Lakhma, remains uncertain, but the legal and political ramifications of this case are likely to linger for some time.