The Karnataka Lokayukta police on Monday carried out surprise searches at multiple excise department offices in Bengaluru as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and administrative negligence.
The raids come close on the heels of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducting searches at the premises of a senior excise department official, further intensifying scrutiny of the state’s excise administration.
Nine excise offices searched
Lokayukta officials conducted searches at the offices of eight Excise Deputy Commissioners in Bengaluru city and one office in Bengaluru Rural district.
The operations were launched based on search warrants issued following a case initiated by Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil under the Karnataka Lokayukta Act.
Officials inspected records, files and administrative procedures to assess whether departmental functions were being carried out in accordance with the law.
Focus on corruption and delays
According to Lokayukta officials, the searches are aimed at examining possible negligence and corrupt practices in the functioning of excise offices.
The investigation is focusing on the disposal of licence renewal applications, handling of excise violation cases and the overall processing of official work.
Authorities are examining whether undue delays, irregularities or misuse of official powers occurred in these offices.
Report to be submitted
A senior Lokayukta official said the findings from the searches will be compiled into a detailed report and submitted to the Lokayukta for further action.
“The main purpose of the search is to check for negligence and corruption in deputy commissioners’ excise offices, particularly in the disposal of renewal applications, handling of violation cases and other official work. We will compile our findings and submit a report to the Lokayukta,” the official said.
The latest action signals increased vigilance by anti-corruption agencies as investigations into the functioning of Karnataka’s excise department continue