Former Keralam Excise Commissioner Alleges Bribery in Department Report Before Transfer

Just before being removed from his post, former Keralam Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao submitted a report to the State government alleging widespread corruption and bribe collection by two senior department officials. Mr. Rao was serving as Excise Commissioner and Special Secretary in the Electronics and Information Technology Department before being transferred to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department.

The Allegations

According to the report submitted on Friday, Joint Excise Commissioner S. Vinod maintained close links with the owner of Ganga Bar in Muvattupuzha, acting as a liaison for licence matters. An informant stated that Mr. Vinod demanded a monthly payment of ₹30,000 and received ₹50,000 for approvals on bar timings and licence extensions. The report also flagged Alappuzha Deputy Commissioner Ajay, accusing him of demanding ₹30,000 during inspection visits to Roma Centre Bar in Kattachira, Kayamkulam. The bar owner, named Ratheesh, allegedly paid ₹20,000 after Onam following a licence renewal in April, and was reportedly known to Excise Minister M. Liju.

Action Recommended

Mr. Rao recommended removing both officials from field postings and transferring them to offices like the Excise Crime Records Bureau or the Toddy Board. He also called for a vigilance inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act into allegations of bribe collection, monthly payments, and disproportionate assets. Furthermore, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan alleged the report pointed to the Excise Minister's involvement, noting Mr. Rao left his official vehicle and took an autorickshaw upon his departure as an act of protest. Minister Liju and the bar owners have not issued an immediate response.

Context

Excise departments in India regulate the manufacture, sale, and taxation of alcohol, overseeing sensitive commercial establishments like bars and permit renewals. Reports submitted by senior bureaucrats before sudden transfers frequently trigger political friction and demands for independent anti-corruption investigations.