A major corruption scandal has erupted in Mandya district, where officials from the Excise Department allegedly demand bribes to approve bar licenses. A Congress party worker, Puneet, has filed a complaint with the Mandya Lokayukta, claiming that his repeated attempts to secure a CL 7 bar license were thwarted due to his refusal to pay bribes. Despite submitting all required documentation, Puneet alleges that his application was rejected four times for not complying with the officials’ demands for money.
The complaint includes audio and video evidence of the bribe demands made by Excise DC Ravishankar and Maddur Excise Inspector Shivshankar. According to Puneet, the initial bribe demanded was Rs 40 lakh, later reduced to Rs 20 lakh after a “50 per cent discount.” Even after this reduction, the officials allegedly continued to pressure him, with one of them reportedly stating, “Don’t ask for Mrishtan (food), give him at least Grihalakshmi (cash).”
The audio evidence provided by Puneet allegedly implicates Mandya District In-charge Minister Chaluvarayaswamy. According to Puneet’s complaint, the officials clarified that license bribes were fixed under the minister’s leadership, with the payments being referred to as “monthly money” extorted from applicants. The conversation also hints at the minister’s possible involvement in the extortion racket, further escalating the scandal.
Evidence and Allegations
The complaint includes a recorded conversation between Puneet and the excise officials, explicitly discussing the bribe amounts. Puneet claims that the officials also insisted that the bribe was not just for higher-ups but also for subordinate staff involved in processing the application. The audio and video evidence has been submitted to the Lokayukta and is crucial to confirm the allegations of widespread corruption within the Excise Department.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The allegations have sparked outrage among local political leaders, with the Mandya Lokayukta investigating the matter. Opposition leaders have criticised the government for failing to take action against the corrupt officials, demanding their immediate resignation. Activists also call for a complete overhaul of the excise licensing system to ensure transparency and prevent such corruption from recurring.
JDS Accuses Minister of Involvement in Corruption
The JD(S) party has strongly criticised Minister Chaluvarayaswamy, accusing him of complicating the corruption. The party has posted serious allegations on social media, claiming that the excise department’s officials, allegedly operating under the minister’s instructions, had set fixed bribe rates for granting bar licenses. The JD(S) has used the audio evidence to accuse the minister of sharing in the proceeds of this corruption, further inflaming the political tension surrounding the issue.
Lokayukta Investigation in Full Swing
The Lokayukta has launched an investigation into allegations of bribery within the Mandya Excise Department concerning issuing a bar and restaurant license in Chandupura, Mandya. The investigation follows the audio and video evidence submission by complainant Puneet, who claims that he was asked to pay a bribe in exchange for a CL 7 bar license for a bar and restaurant in the area. Puneet’s complaint suggests that the bribe amount initially demanded was Rs 40 lakh, which was later reduced to Rs 20 lakh after negotiations.
The police will review the audio and video evidence and submit a report to the Lokayukta DIG within the next few days. If the report warrants further action, the Lokayukta could register an FIR against the officials and the minister.
Mandya Lokayukta SP Suresh Babu confirmed that the investigation was progressing. He emphasised that an FIR could be filed if the evidence is credible, leading to legal action against the accused. Already, some officials have faced disciplinary actions. Excise Inspector Shivshankar, one of the accused in the case, has been suspended pending the investigation.
Background of the Allegations
Puneet, the son of Lakshmamma, had initially submitted an online application for a bar and restaurant license in Chandupura in Maddur taluk. However, after his application was rejected several times without clear justification, excise officials allegedly told him that a bribe was required for approval. Puneet claims his application was denied four times until he was asked to pay a Rs 40 lakh bribe. The amount was later reduced to Rs 20 lakh after negotiations.
Puneet has provided a detailed account of the incidents, including his visits to the excise office and the repeated demands for money. He has also included audio recordings where officials discuss the bribe amounts, some allegedly linked to the minister’s name.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The involvement of Minister Chaluvarayaswamy in the case could have serious political ramifications. The JD(S) has demanded that the minister be removed from his position if the allegations are proven true. The party has also called for a complete overhaul of the excise licensing process to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption.
Locals and business owners in Mandya are expressing shock at the scale of corruption within the excise department. Many believe this case could be just the tip of the iceberg, with similar practices likely happening in other areas. The allegations have led to widespread calls for more stringent oversight and accountability in public offices.
Looking Ahead
As the Lokayukta investigation progresses, the outcome will likely have significant legal and political consequences for those involved. If the bribery allegations are substantiated, it could lead to severe penalties for the implicated excise officials and potentially for the district in-charge minister. The people of Mandya hope this investigation will expose the full extent of corruption within the department and serve as a wake-up call for government accountability.
If an FIR is registered, the investigation could lead to a larger crackdown on corruption within the Excise Department, potentially uncovering more illicit practices in the licensing process. For now, the people of Mandya and political observers are waiting anxiously to see whether the Lokayukta’s inquiry will result in real action against the accused officials and ministers.
Excise inspector suspended
In a significant development regarding the ongoing bribery investigation within the Mandya Excise Department, Maddur range Excise Inspector Shivashankar Aaradhya has been suspended from service following serious allegations of demanding bribes for issuing bar licenses.
The suspension comes after the allegations made by Puneet, a local activist, were found to have prima facie merit. Puneet had accused the excise officials of demanding a bribe to approve a bar and restaurant license for his family’s business in Chandupura. Puneet’s complaint, which included audio and video evidence, led to the initiation of an investigation by the Lokayukta.
Following the investigation, the Excise Commissioner issued an order for Shivashankar’s suspension, citing the need for an inquiry into the corruption allegations. The order emphasises the seriousness of the matter and the immediate need to take action against the accused official. The suspension is effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe.
Further Action Pending for Senior Officials
The Excise Deputy Commissioner of Mandya, A. Ravishankar, is also under scrutiny. The Excise Commissioner has informed that a proposal for disciplinary action or possible suspension against Ravishankar has already been submitted to the state government. Ravishankar is classified as an ‘A’ group employee, and his role in the alleged bribery scandal has raised questions about the extent of the corruption within the department.
The Lokayukta investigation is still ongoing, and further action will depend on the results of the inquiry and any new evidence that may surface. The involvement of senior officials in the bribery scheme has escalated the matter, leading to calls for a broader crackdown on corruption in the state’s excise and licensing systems.
Comments