Keralam Excise Minister says Vigilance probe to be recommended against suspended officials; new liquor policy by September-end
In Kerala, the Excise Department has decided to recommend a Vigilance inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act against seven officials, including an Excise Deputy Commissioner and six others from Kottayam district, due to allegations of collecting cash, liquor, and other benefits from licensed bars. These officials were suspended following Operation Bijapur, an initiative launched after whistleblower reports highlighted corruption and misconduct. Excise Minister M.Liju emphasized the government's zero-tolerance stance toward corrupt officials and illegal activities, while supporting legitimate bar operations. He announced plans to modernize the Excise Department, seeking greater powers to combat drug gangs, and mentioned that a new liquor policy will be finalized by September-end after consultations with various stakeholders. The policy aims to address current shortcomings and prevent the proliferation of bars.
Excise officials, including a Deputy Commissioner, have been suspended over bribery charges following a probe into alleged illicit dealings with licensed bars in Kerala's Kottayam district. The action came after the Excise Commissioner, Seeram Sambasiva Rao, launched Operation Bijapur to investigate claims of financial and other benefits being collected from bars. Among those suspended is S. Asoka Kumar, the Deputy Excise Commissioner, Kottayam, along with six other officials. These include Preventive Officers M. Manuel, Lalu Thankachan, Praveen Sivanand, Santhosh T., Shiju K., and Civil Excise Officer Visakh A.S. Separate minor penalty proceedings were initiated against Adarsh G.L., an Excise Range Inspector in Changanassery, for alleged supervisory failures. The operation began after a series of complaints from Kottayam, highlighting issues both with violations by licensed establishments and potential misconduct among enforcement personnel. The Excise Minister received messages via WhatsApp alleging that liquor was being sold illegally beyond permitted hours at three bar hotels near Changanassery. An inquiry by the Excise Commissioner revealed that monetary payments and other benefits were reportedly funneled to Excise staff through intermediaries. Special collections were also organized around the Onam festival, with payments made to officers at varying levels. At the New York Square Bar in Thrikkodithanam, CCTV footage captured visits by Excise personnel on August 19, 22, and 24. The footage was part of the evidence gathered during the investigation. According to the inquiry report, a bar owner described the practice of making payments three times a year, during license renewals, Onam, and Christmas, to avoid complications related to Excise permissions. This arrangement, the owner noted, created an atmosphere of fear, compelling establishments to comply. The bar owner confirmed that the Deputy Excise Commissioner had visited the premises and instructed that an amount be transferred through an intermediary named Karinkkada Josy, who operates another bar. The report indicated that the Deputy Excise Commissioner played a direct and central role in these arrangements. Further findings highlighted the Deputy Commissioner’s involvement, particularly his contact with the intermediary despite ongoing investigations. This interaction suggested a clear connection between the official and Mr. Josy. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner initially denied involvement but later admitted to arranging the remote wiping of his mobile phone during the examination process. This act was considered an aggravating factor in the case. The inquiry also uncovered that the Excise Commissioner had followed directives from the Excise Minister, M Liju, to initiate the suspensions. The operation, known as Operation Bijapur, aimed to address systemic corruption within the excise department. The findings underscored the need for stricter oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent such practices from continuing unchecked. The suspended officials will likely face formal disciplinary actions, and further legal proceedings may follow. The case has drawn attention to broader issues of graft within local administrative bodies and the challenges of enforcing regulations in the hospitality sector.
3 reports
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 858/30/2026
Excise officials in Kerala, including Deputy Commissioner S. Asoka Kumar and six others, have been suspended over allegations of accepting bribes from licensed bars in the Kottayam district. The action follows 'Operation Bijapur' initiated by Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao to investigate claims of corruption. Suspended officials were implicated in receiving cash, liquor, and other benefits through intermediaries, with evidence including CCTV footage showing their involvement at a bar. A bar owner testified that establishments regularly paid fixed amounts to avoid issues with Excise permissions, often under pressure. The inquiry report highlighted the Deputy Commissioner's direct role in orchestrating these payments and noted his attempt to erase digital evidence during the investigation.
Bias read (Center): While the article reports on a politically sensitive issue involving government officials and corruption, it presents the findings of an official inquiry without overtly endorsing or condemning any political faction. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the procedural aspects of the disciplinary
Why factuality (90): This detailed article provides comprehensive information including the names of those suspended, the operation name, the nature of the allegations, and specific evidence such as CCTV footage. It aligns perfectly with the second article, reinforcing the cross-source consensus on the bribery case and
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without emotional language or overt bias. It focuses on the procedural aspects of the investigation and the outcomes, providing a balanced view of the situation.
The HinduIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 909/1/2026
In Kerala, the Excise Department has decided to recommend a Vigilance inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act against seven officials, including an Excise Deputy Commissioner and six others from Kottayam district, due to allegations of collecting cash, liquor, and other benefits from licensed bars. These officials were suspended following Operation Bijapur, an initiative launched after whistleblower reports highlighted corruption and misconduct. Excise Minister M.Liju emphasized the government's zero-tolerance stance toward corrupt officials and illegal activities, while supporting legitimate bar operations. He announced plans to modernize the Excise Department, seeking greater powers to combat drug gangs, and mentioned that a new liquor policy will be finalized by September-end after consultations with various stakeholders. The policy aims to address current shortcomings and prevent the proliferation of bars.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the actions of the UDF government as proactive and principled, emphasizing 'zero tolerance' for corruption and highlighting the government's efforts to modernize and regulate the Excise Department. The focus on holding officials accountable and the emphasis on legal compliance, as
Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about the Vigilance probe being recommended against seven Excise officials, the suspension of an Excise Deputy Commissioner and others, and mentions Operation Bijapur. These facts align with what would be expected from a reputable news outlet like The Hindu, tho
Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone overall, presenting statements from the Excise Minister without overt bias. It includes quotes directly from officials and avoids emotionally charged language. There is a slight emphasis on the government’s stance but remains largely objective.
The article reports that seven excise officers in Kerala were suspended following a sting operation that uncovered a bribery racket. The action was taken by Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao based on instructions from Excise Minister M Liju. The incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the state's excise department.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding the suspension of officials involved in a bribery case. It does not take a clear ideological stance or emphasize particular political viewpoints. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the administrative actions taken rather than promoting any one
Why factuality (85): This article provides specific details such as the names of officials involved, the operation name ('Operation Bijapur'), and the reason for suspensions. It aligns closely with the information presented in the third article, supporting a cross-source consensus regarding the bribery allegations and t
Why objectivity (75): While the article presents facts clearly, it has a slightly promotional tone, emphasizing the success of the sting operation and the disciplinary actions taken. There is some emphasis on the authority figures involved, but overall, it remains relatively neutral.
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