Keralam Excise Minister says Vigilance probe to be recommended against suspended officials; new liquor policy by September-end
M. Liju says UDF government will show ‘zero tolerance’ towards corrupt officials and bar owners involved in illegal activities
The Excise Minister of Keralam, M.Liju, announced that a Vigilance inquiry will be recommended against seven Excise officials for alleged disproportionate accumulation of property. These officials, including an Excise Deputy Commissioner and six others from Kottayam district, were suspended on Sunday following allegations of collecting cash, liquor, and other benefits from licensed bars in the district under Operation Bijapur, led by Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao.
The Minister stated that the UDF government will have "zero tolerance" for corrupt officials and bar owners involved in illegal activities. He assured support for legally operating bar owners and emphasized that illegal activities such as serving alcohol after permitted hours would not be tolerated. The new liquor policy will be finalized by the end of September after consultations with all stakeholders, including bar and toddy shop owners, social organizations, anti-liquor activists, and health experts.
The government opposes increasing the number of bars and is considering low-alcohol beverages after expert opinions on their potential impact.
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