Bribery allegations against 2 senior Excise officials
A REPORT submitted by former Kerala Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao to the state government has exposed alleged corruption, bribery and financial irregularities involving two senior officials of the Excise Department.
The report, submitted shortly before his transfer, has recommended a detailed Vigilance investigation into the allegations.
The officials named are Joint Excise Commissioner S. Vinod and Alappuzha Deputy Excise Commissioner Ajay. The report accuses them of allegedly collecting bribes from bar owners and toddy shop licensees, receiving illegal payments for official favours and accumulating assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.
According to the report, Vinod allegedly maintained close links with the owner of Ganga Bar in Muvattupuzha and acted as an intermediary in matters concerning its licence. An informant reportedly alleged that he demanded a monthly payment of ₹30,000 and received ₹50,000 for approvals relating to bar timings and licence extensions.
Ajay, meanwhile, has been accused of collecting money from the owner of Roma Centre Bar at Kattachira in Kayamkulam during inspection visits. The report also refers to an alleged payment of ₹20,000 in connection with the renewal of the establishment's licence. It further raises allegations of benami property transactions and financial irregularities involving the officer.
The report also mentions that Excise Minister M. Liju was acquainted with the owner of the Kayamkulam bar. However, this reference does not by itself establish any involvement by the minister in the alleged transactions.
Rao has recommended that both officials be immediately removed from field postings and assigned to non-sensitive offices. He has also sought a Vigilance inquiry into the alleged collection of bribes, monthly payments, benami transactions and disproportionate assets under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Transfer irregularities also flagged
Apart from corruption allegations, the former commissioner has raised concerns over administrative interference in the department. He reportedly stated that 32 transfers of Excise and Circle Inspectors were carried out on November 4 without his knowledge or approval.
He has recommended a transparent online transfer system and stricter scrutiny of officers before assigning them to sensitive positions.
The report has triggered a political controversy, with CPI(M) state secretary M. V. Govindan alleging that its disclosures raise questions about the Excise Minister's connections with officials and bar owners mentioned in the allegations. He also questioned the circumstances surrounding Rao's transfer.
Responding to the controversy, Minister M. Liju said the allegations should be properly investigated and that no delay should be allowed in conducting an inquiry. He maintained that knowing bar owners in his constituency was not unusual.
The allegations against the officials have not yet been established through an independent investigation. The Vigilance inquiry recommended by the former commissioner is expected to be crucial in determining the facts.
