Thiruvananthapuram, November 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Kerala Excise Commissioner S. Sambasiva Rao has levelled corruption allegations against two senior Excise Department officials in a report submitted to the state government shortly before his transfer, recommending a Vigilance investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The report names Joint Excise Commissioner S. Vinod and Deputy Commissioner Ajay, accusing them of allegedly collecting money from bar owners and toddy shop licensees, accepting bribes for official favours, possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income and engaging in benami transactions.
The report, which surfaced on Saturday, also refers to alleged close links between Excise Minister M. Liju and a bar in Kayamkulam.
According to the report, Vinod allegedly maintained close links with the owners of a bar in Muvattupuzha and acted as a liaison in licence-related matters. He is accused of collecting Rs 50,000 from the owners for an approval. The report also refers to his alleged admission to a friend that bar owners paid him Rs 30,000 each during inspection visits to Alappuzha.
Deputy Commissioner Ajay has been accused of allegedly collecting money from the management of a bar in Kattachira, Kayamkulam, during inspections and for licence renewal. The report claims the bar owner has close links with the Excise Minister and could disclose the payments if questioned directly.
It further alleges that Ajay, while serving in Kottayam, used a relative’s name to take bars on lease and purchase them. He has also been accused of holding benami properties and operating permit toddy sales.
The report alleges that bar owners were often compelled to pay the amounts demanded by the officers for fear of losing their businesses. It also claims that those who cooperated with inspections faced retaliation, discouraging others from coming forward.
Sambasiva Rao has recommended that both officers be immediately removed from field assignments and that a detailed Vigilance probe be conducted into their assets, financial dealings and alleged misuse of official positions.
The report also flags alleged irregularities in transfers, claiming that 32 postings were changed unilaterally without the Commissioner’s approval. It recommends a transparent online transfer system and background checks before officers are assigned sensitive posts.
The report surfaced a day after Sambasiva Rao was transferred from the post of Excise Commissioner. Last week, KSEB Chairman and senior IAS officer Rajamanickam was also transferred.
CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan has said that things are now clear following the transfer. The Left opposition has been campaigning and alleging that the Satheesan government is moving out good officials.
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