The Chhattisgarh High Court granted bail to former CMO Deputy Secretary Saumya Chaurasia in cases filed by the ED and EOW in the alleged Rs 2,883 crore liquor scam. The Court cited delay in trial, parity with co-accused, and substantial completion of investigation.
Congress MLA and former Chhattisgarh excise minister Kawasi Lakhma was released from Raipur Central Jail a day after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in cases linked to the alleged liquor ‘scam’. Arrested by the ED and ACB/EOW, Lakhma said he has full faith in the judiciary and will continue to fight for tribal and farmers’ rights.
The Supreme Court granted interim bail to former Chhattisgarh minister Kawasi Lakhma, citing long custody, lack of money trail, and a trial involving over 1,100 witnesses. The Court imposed strict conditions, including a ban on entering Chhattisgarh except for court hearings and restrictions on public statements.
The Supreme Court has adjourned till January the plea filed by Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, challenging his arrest in the alleged liquor scam. The Court said the matter cannot be heard piecemeal and will take it up for detailed hearing in the first week of January.