Kawasi Lakhma Released: Interim Bail Sparks Support and Resilience

Kawasi Lakhma, a prominent Congress MLA and former excise minister of Chhattisgarh, was released from Raipur Central Jail following the Supreme Court's decision to grant him interim bail. This development pertains to his alleged involvement in a multi-crore liquor scam investigated by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)/Economic Offences Wing (EOW).

His release on Wednesday was marked by a warm reception from a large group of Congress supporters and leaders who gathered to express their allegiance. Lakhma took the moment to reaffirm his commitment to advocating for the rights of tribals, farmers, and the underprivileged, along with protecting the state's natural resources—water, forests, and land.

The alleged liquor scam is said to have taken place from 2019 to 2022 under the administration of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. With Lakhma holding the excise minister position during the period, accusations of corruption arose, asserting that the scam led to a significant financial hit on the state exchequer, benefiting a specific liquor syndicate instead.