Bar controversy: Crime branch begins probe into controversial audio message

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The crime branch has started a preliminary investigation into the controversial audio message of a bar association leader asking to ‘help’ the government to get the needed relaxation in the state liquor policy. SP Madhusudan is in charge of the investigation, which will be supervised by the head of the crime branch. Alleging a conspiracy behind the voice message, Excise Department Minister MB Rajesh had complained to the DGP on Friday.

With the new bar controversy rocking Kerala, the government may be forced to withdraw the proposed reform of ending the long-continued ‘dry day’ practice. The government will no longer consider the secretary-level recommendation of stopping ‘Dry day’ in the state.

As part of the bar controversy, the crime branch will soon take the statements of bar owner Animon and the leaders of the bar owners' association.

The secretary-level committee earlier discerned that the government suffered huge financial losses due to ‘Dry Day’ on the first of every month. There was also a bureaucratic recommendation to relax the working hours of bars in the state. The Excise Department proposed to discuss the same within the party and then implement it. The minister has also decided to call a meeting of the bar owners next month to discuss the liquor policy. However, this proposal also faces a challenge due to the sudden emergence of the bribe allegations.

A special team will be formed to investigate the matter. The government has also instructed the police to find out the reasons behind the controversy before the assembly session begins on June 10.