ED Raid: Layers of bribery exposed in Excise Department, cash and jewelery worth crores recovered after raids at many places.

The major action of the enforcement agency regarding alleged corruption in the Excise Department has created a stir in administrative circles (ED Raid). During simultaneous raids at several places, a huge amount of cash, gold jewellery, foreign currency And important documents have been recovered. The investigating agency claims that such evidence has been found in the action which can reveal the functioning of the entire network.

The case is said to be related to allegations of taking bribe in exchange for issuance and renewal of license. The investigation is currently being carried forward under the Money Laundering Act.

ED raid took place simultaneously at 14 locations

The Bengaluru unit of the enforcement agency conducted search operations at a total of 14 locations in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Belagavi on June 24. This action was taken in the money laundering case registered on the basis of Lokayukta police FIR. According to the investigating agency, some officials of the Excise Department are accused of taking bribes in exchange for issuing and renewing licenses.

Claims to be a bribery network

Investigation has revealed that a fixed amount was allegedly collected from liquor shops every month. Apart from this, money was also taken in the name of new license, license renewal and shop transfer.

The agency says that the bribe amount was collected and distributed among middlemen. A cash book related to the alleged transaction has also been seized during the investigation.

Accusation of running business in the name of family

According to the investigating agency, some officers had obtained liquor licenses (ED Raid) in the name of their family members and close people. It is alleged that by running the business through these mediums, an attempt was being made to show the illegal earnings as legitimate income. Several documents, digital devices, property records and other important materials have also been seized during the operation.

Property worth crores seized

During the raid, about Rs 5.5 crore in cash, gold jewelery worth Rs 7.8 crore and foreign currency worth Rs 3.3 lakh were recovered (ED Raid) from the premises linked to the officers and their associates. According to the investigating agency, so far property worth Rs 13.3 crore has been seized in this case. The investigation into the case is ongoing and more revelations are expected in the coming days.