The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma and his son in Chhattisgarh on December 28, 2024, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation. The raids are linked to an alleged illegal mining case in the state, which the ED claims involved financial irregularities and the generation of illicit funds.
According to reports, the ED’s action follows an investigation into the activities of Lakhma and his associates, with a focus on suspected violations related to illegal mining operations in the state. The raids were carried out at multiple properties associated with the Congress leader, including his residence and business premises.
The investigation stems from an earlier case of illegal mining that was flagged by state authorities. It is alleged that certain individuals, including public representatives, were involved in facilitating and benefiting from the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the region. The ED’s probe into money laundering aims to trace the flow of illicit funds generated from these activities.
Lakhma, who represents the Konta constituency in Chhattisgarh’s Legislative Assembly, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the allegations are politically motivated. However, the ED has reportedly seized key documents and financial records during the raids, which may help in furthering the investigation.
This action is part of the ED’s broader campaign against corruption and illegal mining in resource-rich states like Chhattisgarh, which have faced scrutiny over the involvement of political figures in the sector. The investigation into Lakhma and his son highlights the government’s focus on clamping down on financial crimes associated with illegal mining activities.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Chhattisgarh Congress party regarding the raids. The investigation is ongoing, and the ED is expected to continue its inquiry into the allegations, which could have significant political and legal implications in the region.