'Two high-ranking officials involved in corruption'; Seeram Sambasiva Rao's report surfaces

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the ongoing controversy over granting bar licenses without the government's or the Excise Minister's knowledge, a report by Seeram Sambasiva Rao—who was recently removed as Excise Commissioner—surfaced. In this report, submitted just before his departure, Rao levelled serious allegations against high-ranking Excise officials.

The report states that Joint Excise Commissioner S Vinod and Deputy Commissioner Ajay are implicated in a monthly payment case and in the amassing of disproportionate assets. The report, which recommends a Vigilance inquiry into these officials, was submitted to the government yesterday. It further alleges that the Excise Minister has a close association with the 'Roma Central Bar' located in Kayamkulam.

S Vinod maintained a connection with the owner of Ganga Bar in Muvattupuzha and acted as a liaison officer to expedite matters related to the bar's license. Vinod received Rs 50,000 from Ganga Bar. Reports also say Ajay accepted a bribe from the owner of Roma Central Bar in Katachira, Kayamkulam, while visiting the establishment for an inspection.

S Vinod and Ajay should be immediately removed from field duties; the report by Seeram further recommends that a Vigilance investigation be initiated against both officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act, in connection with allegations of receiving 'monthly payments' (illegal periodic payoffs), amassing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income, and engaging in *benami* (proxy-based) transactions.