Excise authorities in Bengaluru accused of intimidation and undue influence

Liquor traders complain CM Siddaramaiah, alleging corruption in Excise department

Excise officials exerting pressure on liquor traders to buy excess stock of liquor

Excise authorities in Bengaluru are currently facing the wrath of traders who are accusing them of intimidation and undue influence.

Official complaints have been lodged by liquor traders with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging widespread corruption within the department.

As a result, Siddaramaiah has taken the initiative to launch an investigation into these claims. While tax officials are intensifying their efforts to meet revenue targets, traders are contending that they are being coerced into purchasing more inventory than necessary.

The formal complaint lodged by liquor traders was brought directly to the attention of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with an additional claim of prevalent corruption within the department.

Given the sensitivity of corruption as a political issue and the potential for the government to face criticism, Siddaramaiah promptly took action, instructing the higher-ups in the excise department to conduct a thorough investigation and impose appropriate penalties.

Liquor traders are alleging that the mounting pressure from officials to boost sales has become increasingly unbearable.

In a bid to achieve the target of Rs 36,000 crore set by Siddaramaiah in his budget announcement in July, along with the increase in additional excise duty, enforcement measures have been significantly ramped up by the excise officials.

They have been conducting visits to outlets and conducting rigorous checks on stock, much to the dismay of traders.

Office bearers of the Bengaluru City District Liquor Traders Association (BCDLTA) have emphasized that tax officials are exerting immense pressure on retailers to purchase a far greater quantity of stock than the demand necessitates.