Kawasi Lakhma Granted Interim Bail

The India — Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Kawasi Lakhma, a former India — Chhattisgarh Excise Minister and sitting India — Indian National Congress legislator, in multiple corruption and money-laundering cases related to an alleged liquor scam. Kawasi Lakhma had been in custody since January 2025, arrested by the India — Enforcement Directorate and later by the India — Economic Offences Wing. The court cited his prolonged incarceration and the extensive number of witnesses (865 in the India — Economic Offences Wing case and 117 in the India — Enforcement Directorate case) as reasons for the relief, noting the trial's likely lengthy duration. Strict conditions were imposed, including barring Kawasi Lakhma from entering India — Chhattisgarh except for court proceedings, surrendering his passport, and refraining from influencing witnesses or commenting on the allegations. The alleged scam, which occurred between 2019 and 2022 during the Bhupesh Baghel-led India — Indian National Congress government, is estimated to have caused a loss exceeding Rs 2,100 crore to the India — Chhattisgarh exchequer. Chaitanya Baghel, son of Bhupesh Baghel, is also implicated in the scam.