Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the Excise Department of widespread bribery, transfer rackets, and extensive corruption, demanding the immediate resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur.

During a session in the Legislative Assembly, Opposition Leader R. Ashoka asserted, "The Excise Department is plagued with bribe-taking for licensing and transfer facilitation. Audio evidence has surfaced, and formal complaints have been lodged with the Lokayukta. Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur must step down forthwith."

Ashoka claimed that the state Excise Department is at the forefront of corruption.

He criticized Congress leaders who oppose the VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that while they invoke Mahatma Gandhi's principles, they fail to adhere to them.

Ashoka remarked, "A WhatsApp directive from government officials indicated that due to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister attending a Housing Department event in Hubballi, liquor stores should ensure ample stock. This is detrimental to families. CM Siddaramaiah's notion of sensitivity seems to promote drinking instead of responsible behavior."

He further alleged, "The minister remains silent because officials are paying monthly fees related to the ongoing scam in the Excise Department. Guruswamy, president of the liquor sellers' association, expressed intentions to report the irregularities to Rahul Gandhi."

Guruswamy mentioned that licenses for 2,000 liquor shops have been issued, with bribes ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Shop owners face harassment if bribes are not paid by the 10th of each month. Despite Guruswamy's complaints, Siddaramaiah has not intervened, leading to criticism that he lacks authority as a Chief Minister.

Ashoka added, "An audio recording concerning the Excise Department's scam implicates Minister R.B. Thimmapur and his son. Nevertheless, the minister denies any involvement. There are 14,229 liquor outlets in the state, outnumbering primary health centers. Each shop allegedly pays bribes between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 monthly, amounting to approximately Rs 21 crore monthly and Rs 252 crore annually," he alleged.

"Bribes for transfers within the Excise Department are standardized. Transferring Deputy Commissioners costs between Rs 2.5 to Rs 3.5 crore, Superintendents Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh, Deputy Superintendents Rs 30 to Rs 40 lakh, Excise Inspectors Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh, and constables Rs 5 to Rs 8 lakh. Interestingly, some constables operate multiple bars themselves," he claimed.

Ashoka concluded, "When Nagesh faced transfer bribery allegations during the BJP administration, he resigned. Similarly, K.S. Eshwarappa stepped down over allegations. Yet, with substantial bribery revelations, Minister Thimmapur remains unresigned."