Chennai, 07 Nov (H.S.):

Outgoing Keralam Excise Commissioner Sambasiva Rao has submitted a report to the state government levelling serious corruption allegations against two senior Excise Department officials and recommending a Vigilance investigation into their alleged involvement in bribery, illegal wealth accumulation and benami transactions.

The report, submitted on Friday before Rao's departure from office, names Central Zone Joint Excise Commissioner S. Vinod and Alappuzha Deputy Excise Commissioner Ajay.

According to the report, both officials allegedly collected regular payments from bar owners, demanded bribes for facilitating licence renewals and accumulated substantial wealth through questionable financial transactions.

Rao has also recommended that the two officials should not be assigned positions offering opportunities for illegal collection of money.

The allegations against Vinod include accepting bribes of up to Rs 50,000 from several bar owners for facilitating licence renewals. The report reportedly cites bank transaction records of individuals who transferred money as supporting evidence.

It further alleges that Vinod received substantial illegal payments in connection with the seizure of adulterated toddy and spirit at Anakkappara in Palakkad.

Although an earlier Vigilance investigation reportedly identified his involvement in the case, he allegedly escaped action through his influence.

The report also accuses Ajay of regularly collecting money from bars in Kayamkulam. During the Onam season, he allegedly demanded Rs 20,000 each for facilitating bar licence renewals.

While serving in Kottayam district, Ajay allegedly permitted a toddy shop operator to function from two buildings using a single licence.

The report further claims that an investigation initiated following a complaint to the Chief Minister was deliberately obstructed.

The recommendations come amid controversy surrounding the Excise Department's functioning and Rao's removal as Commissioner.

The allegations remain unproven, and the government's decision on ordering a Vigilance investigation is awaited.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman