Karnataka BJP Exposes Massive Rs 2,500 Crore Bribery Scam in Excise Department
Karnataka's Leader of Opposition, R Ashok, made explosive allegations on Sunday. He claimed a massive bribery scam worth Rs 2,500 crore is operating within the state's Excise Department. Ashok demanded the immediate resignation of Excise Minister R B Thimmapur.
Officials Caught Red-Handed in Bribery Sting
These serious charges came just one day after a dramatic incident. On Saturday, Lokayukta officials arrested three Excise Department employees. They were caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh.
The arrested officials include Excise Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik, Superintendent of Excise K M Thammanna, and Excise Constable Lakkappa Gani. Reports indicate they had demanded a much larger bribe of Rs 80 lakh. This payment was allegedly for issuing a bar license and a microbrewery license.
Bribery System Through Liquor License Auctions
Addressing a press conference, Ashok detailed a systematic bribery operation. He claimed bribes are collected through the auctioning of liquor licenses. The BJP leader stated fixed rates exist for different license categories.
According to Ashok's allegations:
- Each CL-7 license requires a bribe of Rs 1.25 crore, totaling Rs 1,225 crore.
- Each CL-2 license demands Rs 1.5 crore, amounting to Rs 925 crore.
- CL-9 licenses involve Rs 92 crore in bribes.
- Mini-brewery licenses allegedly cost Rs 2.5 crore each in bribes.
"Together this adds up to Rs 2,500 crore," Ashok asserted during his press briefing.
Allegations of Political Fund Diversion
The BJP leader made an even more serious accusation. He contended this massive sum of money is being diverted. Ashok alleged the bribes fund elections in two other states: Assam and Maharashtra.
Ashok referenced an audio clip as evidence. He claimed this recording reveals that collected bribes are sent directly to the minister or his son. The opposition leader issued a stern warning to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be held directly responsible for this scam if Minister Thimmapur is not sacked," Ashok declared.
Broader Criticisms of State Governance
The BJP leader did not stop at the excise scandal. He also targeted the state government over drug-related issues. Ashok claimed drugs are rampant even inside jails across Karnataka. He alleged police officials are complicit in these illegal activities.
This developing scandal represents a major political crisis for the Karnataka government. The allegations of systematic corruption in license auctions and potential interstate fund diversion have created significant pressure. All eyes now turn to how Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his administration will respond to these serious charges.
