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Former Kerala Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao has reported alleged bribery involving two senior department officials.
What Did the Commissioner Report?
In a report submitted to the Kerala government on Friday, shortly before his transfer, Rao alleged that two senior Excise Department officials were involved in collecting bribes from bar owners. The report also mentioned that Excise Minister M. Liju was acquainted with one of the bar owners allegedly involved in the transactions.
Rao, who also served as Special Secretary in the Electronics and Information Technology Department, was transferred to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department. His report identified former Joint Excise Commissioner S. Vinod and Alappuzha Deputy Commissioner Ajay in connection with the alleged irregularities.
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What Bribery Allegations Were Raised?
According to the report, Vinod allegedly maintained close links with a bar owner in Muvattupuzha and acted as an intermediary in matters concerning the establishment’s licence. An informant alleged that Vinod demanded ₹30,000 monthly and received ₹50,000 for securing approvals related to operating hours and licence extensions.
The report separately alleged that a bar owner in Kayamkulam was asked to pay ₹30,000 during inspections by Deputy Commissioner Ajay. It identified the owner as Ratheesh, who was reportedly known to Minister Liju. An additional payment of ₹20,000 was allegedly made after Onam in connection with the establishment’s licence renewal.
What Action Did Rao Recommend?
Rao recommended the immediate removal of Vinod and Ajay from field postings and their transfer to offices such as the Excise Crime Records Bureau or Toddy Board. He also sought a Vigilance investigation into allegations of monthly bribe collections, financial irregularities and disproportionate assets under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The report called for stricter controls over appointments to sensitive positions. Rao recommended that future transfers and postings at the Joint Excise Commissioner, Additional Excise Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner levels be considered based on reports from the Excise Commissioner, particularly where officials face allegations of financial misconduct.
Why Has the Minister’s Role Come Under Scrutiny?
CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan alleged that the former commissioner’s disclosures raised questions about Minister Liju’s connections with officials accused of corruption and bar owners allegedly involved in payments. He also claimed that Rao had faced pressure that prevented him from transferring certain officials.
Govindan questioned the circumstances surrounding Rao’s removal, describing his reported departure from office in an autorickshaw, leaving behind his official vehicle, as a sign of protest. He demanded an explanation from the Minister regarding the allegations. There was no immediate response from Liju or the bar owners named in the report. The allegations remain unproven, and Rao has recommended a formal investigation into the officials concerned.
