Rs two lakh bribes through Google Pay; Vigilance raid uncovers corruption ring in excise dept

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Excise officials reportedly received Rs two lakh as bribes through Google Pay. Rs 2,12,500 was received from bar and toddy shop owners by Excise officials. Google Pay bribes were received in Pathanapuram, Pala and Kochi excise circles.

In a state-wide vigilance raid at excise offices, unaccounted Rs 28,164 and 25 bottles of liquor were seized. The inspection was conducted in 69 excise offices under the name of 'Operation Safe Sip'. Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham warned that the raid will continue.

It was recorded that the inspection of toddy shops located more than 20 km away in Pathanamthitta was carried out within 10 minutes.

An excise official, who had to attend court in Malappuram, reported that he issued a certificate on the same day to verify a load.

These shams were brought out in the vigilance raid conducted. Money was found in the toilet of the Vaikom excise office. Officials also found irregularities in Ponnani, Perinthalmanna, Manjeri, Kozhikode, Perambra, Sultan Bathery, Kasaragod and Thrissur.