World · India Bureau
Excise Deputy Commissioner among officials suspended over graft allegations
A Deputy Commissioner and other excise officials have been suspended following a corruption inquiry initiated by the state Excise Commissioner. The action comes after an internal investigation into bribery allegations against the department's staff.
LSN India ·
Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao has taken disciplinary action against multiple officials, including a Deputy Commissioner, on charges of accepting bribes. The suspensions follow a comprehensive internal review launched under 'Operation Bijapur' to investigate the veracity of corruption allegations levelled against excise department personnel.
The operation was designed to verify complaints of misconduct and financial impropriety within the department's ranks. By initiating the probe, the Excise Commissioner sought to maintain institutional integrity and restore public confidence in the department's functioning.
The suspensions mark a significant step in addressing corruption within the excise department, one of the key revenue-generating agencies in the state administration. Officials suspended pending the outcome of formal inquiries face potential termination or other disciplinary measures depending on investigation findings.
The move reflects growing efforts across state administrations to tackle graft within government departments. Such actions underscore the commitment to ensure accountability among senior and junior officials alike.