The Excise Department in Keralam will recommend a Vigilance inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act against seven Excise officials in connection with allegations of amassment of property disproportionate to their known sources of income.

An Excise Deputy Commissioner and six other Excise officials based in Kottayam district were suspended on Sunday following allegations of collection of cash, liquor and other benefits from licenced bars in the district under Operation Bijapur led by Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Excise Minister M.Liju said that the UDF government will show “zero tolerance” towards corrupt officials and bar owners involved in illegal activities.

“Despite strong warnings to Excise officials at all levels, we had got reports from whistleblowers of illegal activities in some districts. The action against Excise officials in Kottayam was taken based on strong evidence. The government will provide all support to bar owners who are running their business legally and are providing employment to many. However, if anyone is under the impression that they can bribe officials and carry out illegal activities such as keeping their bars open after the allowed time, it will not be tolerated,” said Mr.Liju.

Operation Bijapur

Operation Bijapur was initiated following a series of independent inputs from Kottayam, which raised concerns both about violations by licenced establishments and about possible misconduct within the enforcement system.

Complaints were received by the Excise Minister on WhatsApp alleging illegal liquor sales beyond the permitted hours at three bar hotels in the Changanassery area.

Modernisation of department

He said steps will be taken to modernise the Excise department. The department will seek the permission of the State and Union governments for more powers, especially for tracking locations which could help the department in cracking down more effectively on drug gangs. Currently, the Police department’s help is sought in such situations, he said.

‘Govt against increasing number of bars’

Mr.Liju said the UDF’s new liquor policy will be readied by the end of September following discussions with all stakeholders, including bar and toddy shop owners, workers, social organisations, anti-liquor activists and health experts.

The defects of the existing policy will be deeply studied before framing the new policy. The government is against increasing the existing number of bars, he said.

On low-alcohol beverages

A decision on low-alcohol beverages will be taken after considering expert opinion on whether they could help curb the shift to drugs or, conversely, encourage alcohol consumption at a young age, he said.