CoD probe likely against erring excise officials

The state government would order CoD probe against the joint commissioner and deputy commissioner of excise department in Hubli for their alleged connivance with the liquor mafia in notorious Kamaripet.

Minister for Excise Chennigappa told reporters that the probe was in view of the government ordering CoD probe against former police commissioner K V Gagandeep.

The excise officials working in Hubli during Gagandeep's tenure were also responsible for the illegal activities in Kamaripet to continue unabated. Hence, the inquiry against them also, he stated.

The minister said Gagandeep had succeeded in curbing the illegal activities in Kamaripet in the beginning of his tenure. But it was let loose later resulting in the reduction of government liquor to 20 per cent.

There is prima facie case against the excise officials also in Kamaripet activity flourishing, he said.

When asked why there should not be inquiry against the previous police and excise officials who never dared to enter Kamaripet let alone prevent the activity, he said he would consider it.