Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Excise Officials Search Kottayam Deputy Commissioner’s Home Over Bribery
Officials in Kerala are investigating claims that an Excise Department officer took illegal payments.
They first searched a bar in Changanassery.
Then they searched the homes of Deputy Commissioner Asok Kumar and two other officials.
Investigators looked at cameras, phones and bank information.
Officials said money may have been collected from several bar owners.
The claims have not been proven.
The three officers were asked to explain their conduct.
More action may follow after the investigation.
The Excise Department searched a Changanassery bar and the homes of three officials during a bribery probe.
The investigation centers on Deputy Commissioner Asok Kumar, who allegedly received illegal payments from bar owners.
Investigators examined CCTV footage, mobile phones and bank account details during the searches.
Officials said a bar owner may have collected money from other operators to give to Kumar.
Kumar and two other officers were summoned to Excise Headquarters, with possible disciplinary action and a Vigilance referral pending.
- Who
- Excise Commissioner Sreeram Sambasiva Rao, Deputy Commissioner Asok Kumar and two other Excise officials are involved in the probe.
- What
- Searches were conducted in an investigation into alleged illegal payments from bar owners to an Excise official.
- When
- The searches began on Friday night, and the officials were summoned on Saturday.
- Where
- The searches took place at a bar in Changanassery and at residences in Kottayam district.
- Why
- Officials said a secret inquiry followed information that Asok Kumar was allegedly receiving illegal gratification from bars.
- Lead investigator
- Excise Commissioner Sreeram Sambasiva Rao led the team with the department’s Vigilance Wing.
- Primary subject
- Kottayam Excise Deputy Commissioner Asok Kumar.
- Locations searched
- A bar in Changanassery and the residences of three Excise officials.
- Evidence examined
- CCTV footage, mobile phones and bank account details.
- Allegation
- Kumar allegedly received illegal gratification from bars in Kottayam district.
- Next step
- Disciplinary action may be initiated, and the matter may be referred to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.