Forum for Good Governance urges State government to expedite 2010 liquor scam cases

The Forum for Good Governance has urged the Telangana government to expedite action in the long-pending 2010 liquor scam cases, alleging prolonged delays and lack of clarity on proceedings against several officials.

In a representation to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Forum president M. Padmanabha Reddy stated that though a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was initially constituted in undivided Andhra Pradesh to probe the scam, it was abruptly wound up and the inquiry was later entrusted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

As per submissions made earlier before the High Court, 48 cases were registered involving 1,118 officials and 174 private individuals, with prosecution orders reportedly issued against 929 officials in 2012. However, the Forum alleged that after State bifurcation, there has been little visible progress.

Citing information obtained through RTI response on February 5, the Forum claimed that while prosecution permission was granted in 316 cases relating to the Prohibition and Excise Department, 211 were referred to tribunals for disciplinary proceedings, 75 were sent to Commissioner of Inquiries and 20 were sent for department inquiries and none have reached final disposal. It also sought clarity on action taken against 132 police officials who were reportedly ordered to be prosecuted.

“During last 16 years, some tainted officials got promotion and some retired. In case of Home department, 132 police officials were ordered to be prosecuted. The delay in disposal of liquor scam cases is sending wrong signal to corrupt officials, especially in Prohibition and Excise department and in Police department,” the letter read.