A major statewide crackdown by the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has laid bare a deeply entrenched network of corruption within the state's liquor trade. Codenamed Operation Barcode, the simultaneous raids on Monday targeted 66 bar hotels and their corresponding excise circle offices, unearthing large quantities of illicit liquor, detailed records of cash bribes, and concrete proof of collusion between bar owners and excise officials.
Widespread Corruption Uncovered Across Districts
The raids were launched based on credible intelligence that several establishments were selling "seconds"—illegally procured or adulterated liquor—and that excise officials were actively shielding these operations in exchange for regular bribes and favours. Vigilance teams seized cash, registers, digital payment records, and other documentary evidence pointing to systematic and widespread malpractice.
In a shocking find from Alappuzha district, officials recovered a register from a bar that meticulously documented monthly bribe payments totalling Rs 3.56 lakh to excise officials. The register even included the names and designations of the officials involved. WhatsApp messages from the bar manager's phone further confirmed these payments were coordinated with the bar's managing director.
Evidence gathered painted a consistent picture of fraud and negligence. In Kollam, vigilance officers found that inspection registers were falsely maintained, showing checks that never occurred. One bar was found selling liquor before the legally permitted 11 AM opening time. In Pathanamthitta, a bar was caught removing liquor stock on a day when all outlets were officially closed for local body elections.
Digital Trails and Contradictory Evidence
The investigation leveraged technology to expose the corruption. In Thrissur, CCTV footage completely contradicted official records, proving that an excise circle inspector did not visit a bar on December 27 as was claimed. In Wayanad, scrutiny of digital payment trails revealed suspicious UPI transactions, including a Rs 2,000 transfer from a beer parlour employee to a Bevco warehouse staffer and a hefty sum of Rs 3.51 lakh credited to an excise official's account.
Other violations were equally brazen. In Palakkad, a bar was holding liquor stock far beyond permissible limits without proper entries in statutory registers. In Malappuram, vigilance teams seized five bottles of foreign liquor allegedly received as bribes and stored at an excise circle office itself. The raid in Kannur found liquor meant for Bevco outlets illegally stocked in a private bar, while in Kasaragod, liquor allotted to a bar in Alappuzha was traced to outlets operating in the district.
Systemic Collusion and Assured Action
The vigilance department stated the findings point to a clear pattern where certain excise officials routinely accepted monthly bribes and liquor to overlook serious violations. These violations included illegal sourcing of liquor, excess stocking, unauthorized sale hours, and outright manipulation of official records.
Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham emphasized that the scale of irregularities indicates systemic collusion. He assured that further legal action will follow. "Financial trails, including bank accounts of officials and their close associates, will be examined in detail. Criminal cases will be registered wherever evidence warrants," Abraham stated.
He also urged the public to come forward with any information related to corruption or illegal liquor trade. Citizens can contact the vigilance department via toll-free number 1064, mobile number 8592900900, or WhatsApp number 9447789100.
