Raipur, India: Former Chhattisgarh excise minister and Konta legislator Kawasi Lakhma was released from Raipur Central Jail on Tuesday after the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the alleged liquor scam case. Lakhma had spent nearly a year in custody.
Calling his release a “victory of truth,” Lakhma thanked the judiciary and said he had full faith in the judicial process. Speaking to reporters outside the जेल, he also expressed gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao for publicly supporting him during the case.
“I am a voice from Bastar, from a poor tribal family. I trusted the judiciary, and justice has prevailed,” Lakhma said. He added that he remains confident about the final outcome of the case.
Lakhma thanked senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sachin Pilot, Bhupesh Baghel, Deepak Baij, T.S. Singh Deo, and Charandas Mahant, along with party workers who stood by him during what he described as a difficult period. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Bastar, farmers, laborers, and his supporters in the Konta विधानसभा constituency.
Reaffirming his long-standing political stance, Lakhma said he would continue fighting for the rights of Bastar’s forests, land, and tribal communities “until his last breath.” He announced plans to visit Bastar soon to personally assess changes that occurred during his incarceration.
The six-time legislator also expressed his desire to participate in the upcoming state Assembly budget session. He said he would meet Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh to seek permission, noting that his absence from the House for a year was a loss not just to him, but to the people he represents.
Acknowledging Arun Sao, a former High Court lawyer, Lakhma said he appreciated the deputy chief minister’s statement in his favor and extended thanks to BJP leaders, workers, and the public for their direct or indirect support.
Outside Raipur Central Jail, a large number of Congress supporters gathered to celebrate his release. The scene featured traditional tribal dances, slogans, and an enthusiastic show of strength as Lakhma left the premises amid tight security.