Kerala Excise Department Suspends Seven Officers Over Alleged Bar Kickbacks

The state excise department announced on Tuesday that seven of its officers have been put on suspension pending inquiry into alleged illegal collections from bars across Kerala. The officials are accused of accepting unauthorized payments in exchange for favorable treatment of liquor licences and tax assessments.
The department’s internal notice said the suspensions were ordered under the Kerala Excise (Prevention of Corruption) Rules, and that the officers will remain off duty until the investigation concludes. No specific amounts or names of the bars involved were disclosed.
Kerala’s Excise Commissioner, K. Ramesh, said the action reflects a zero‑tolerance stance against corruption within the department and assured the public that a thorough probe is underway. He added that any officer found guilty will face disciplinary action as per the state’s service rules.
The move comes amid broader efforts by state authorities to curb illicit liquor trade and ensure compliance with tax regulations, which have been a focus of recent policy reviews.
Further details are expected once the inquiry report is submitted to the state government.