Kerala Excise Commissioner's Report Accuses Two Senior Officials of Corruption, Seeks Vigilance Probe

The report, which surfaced on Saturday, names Joint Excise Commissioner S. Vinod and Deputy Commissioner Ajay. It accuses them of allegedly collecting money from bar owners and toddy shop licensees, accepting bribes in return for official favours, acquiring assets disproportionate to their known sources of income and engaging in benami transactions.

The document also refers to alleged close links between Excise Minister M. Liju and a bar in Kayamkulam.

According to the report, Vinod allegedly maintained close contacts with the owners of a bar in Muvattupuzha and acted as an intermediary in matters concerning licences. He is accused of collecting Rs 50,000 from the establishment's owners in connection with an approval.

The report further claims that Vinod had told a friend that bar owners paid him Rs 30,000 each during his inspection visits to Alappuzha.

Deputy Commissioner Ajay has been accused of collecting money from the management of a bar in Kattachira, Kayamkulam, during inspections and in connection with licence renewals.

The report alleges that the bar owner has close links with the Excise Minister and could disclose details of the payments if questioned directly.

It also accuses Ajay of using a relative's name while serving in Kottayam to lease and purchase bars. The former Commissioner has further alleged that Ajay holds benami properties and is involved in the operation of permit-based toddy sales.

The report claims that bar owners were often compelled to meet the officers' alleged demands to avoid jeopardising their businesses. It also alleges that establishments which cooperated during inspections faced retaliatory action, creating an atmosphere that discouraged others from reporting misconduct.

Recommendations and transfer irregularities

Sambasiva Rao has recommended that both officials be immediately removed from field assignments and that the Vigilance Department conduct a detailed investigation into their assets, financial transactions and alleged misuse of official positions.

The report also raises concerns over transfer procedures within the department. It alleges that 32 postings were altered unilaterally without the Commissioner's approval.

To address such irregularities, it recommends introducing a transparent online transfer system and conducting background checks before appointing officers to sensitive positions.

The report emerged a day after Sambasiva Rao was transferred from the post of Excise Commissioner. Last week, senior IAS officer and KSEB Chairman Rajamanickam was also transferred.

Reacting to the developments, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan said that matters had become clear following the transfer. The Left opposition has been mobilising support while alleging that the Satheesan government is removing competent officials from key positions.