In a dramatic turn of events, Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) has suspended two officials after an internal probe revealed an attempted cover-up and manipulation of liquor stocks at the Cheepad outlet in Kozhikode.
Outlet in charge Hareesh Kumar was suspended following a report from the regional manager, which exposed how he grossly exaggerated the January 9 theft, claiming 80 bottles were stolen. However, CCTV footage and police investigation confirmed only four bottles were taken by the culprits, who left with a small bag.
To hide the stock discrepancy, Kumar reportedly fabricated a story, later stating some bottles had “reappeared” in empty cartons. He then tried to legitimise the missing bottles by generating bills and digitally transferring money into Bevco’s account — an act seen as a deliberate attempt to cover financial misappropriation.
The second official, Biju K T, manager of Bevco’s Wayanad district audit wing, was also suspended. He allegedly filed misleading reports without verifying records or examining the CCTV footage. His failure to cross-check stock documents before informing police, Bevco authorities, and the insurance company contributed to the concealment attempt.
The scam only unraveled when video evidence exposed the scale of the actual theft, contradicting the inflated claims. A full departmental inquiry is underway.
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