BJP accuses Keralam govt of bias after excise officer flags bribes before transfer

Detailed summary

Rao’s report recommended a vigilance inquiry into two Excise officials and referred to a bar owner known to Excise Minister M Liju. The minister called for an investigation but denied that Rao’s transfer was linked to disagreements over the department’s functioning.

BJP MLA V Muraleedharan on Saturday accused the Keralam government of sidelining honest officers after former Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao flagged alleged bribe collection by senior officials shortly before being relieved from his post.

Rao’s report recommended a vigilance inquiry into two Excise officials and referred to a bar owner known to Excise Minister M Liju. The minister called for an investigation but denied that Rao’s transfer was linked to disagreements over the department’s functioning.

“The message this government has been giving during the last couple of weeks is that honest officers have no place in this administration,” Muraleedharan said.

He cited the earlier removal of KSEB chairman Rajamanickam and questioned a power purchase agreement that he alleged was against the state’s interests.

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