After interim bail, Chhattisgarh MLA Kawasi Lakhma shifts base to Odisha’s Malkangiri

Chhattisgarh MLA and former minister Kawasi Lakhma will temporarily reside in Odisha’s Malkangiri district following the grant of interim bail by the Supreme Court in connection with the alleged liquor scam case.

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As per the conditions laid down by the apex court, Lakhma has been barred from entering or staying in his home state of Chhattisgarh during the bail period, prompting him to shift to the neighbouring district of Malkangiri in Odisha.

Lakhma arrived in Malkangiri on Sunday, where he was accorded a warm reception by Congress leaders and party workers. Addressing the media after his arrival, the senior Congress leader said he would utilise his stay in the district to understand local issues and interact with people of the region. He added that Malkangiri was chosen as his temporary place of residence due to its geographical proximity to Chhattisgarh and ease of access, while also ensuring full compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions.

Kawasi Lakhma was arrested in April last year in connection with the alleged multi-crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. On the 3rd of this month, the Supreme Court granted him conditional interim bail, clearly instructing that he should not remain in or enter his home state during the bail period.

The development has generated considerable political interest in both Odisha and Chhattisgarh, as the senior Congress leader begins his interim stay outside his constituency. Political observers are closely watching the situation, particularly in light of the ongoing investigation and its potential implications for state politics.

Worth mentioning, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Lakhma in two alleged liquor scam cases registered separately by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the state police. He was previously arrested by the Economic Offences Wing’s Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Chhattisgarh Police on April 2, 2025.