Bar scam: Vigilance probe ordered against former Excise Minister K Babu

Thiruvananthapuram: An enquiry was on Wednesday ordered against former excise minister K Babu by Vigilance Director DGP Jacob Thomas in connection to alleged irregularities in awarding bar licenses during the tenure of the previous Congress-led UDF government.

Babu, who had unsuccessfully contested from Thripunithura in the 16 May assembly polls, was already facing a vigilance inquiry in the bar bribery case over the charge that he had accepted Rs 10 crore as bribe for renewal of licenses of bars.

The present inquiry was ordered on basis of complaints submitted by Kerala Hotel Industrialist Association (KHIA).

“I have ordered a quick verification against K Babu. The enquiry was ordered based on complaints of alleged irregularities in awarding bar licenses, giving permission to open new bars and in levying of bar license fee during his tenure as excise minister,” Jacob Thomas told PTI.

In their complaint, the Association alleged that the former excise minister conducted “blatant abuse of power and corrupt practices.”

It also alleged that “the minister and his office were involved in serious corrupt practices to the tune of more than Rs 100 crore by illegally accepting bribe for issuing fresh FL3 (liquor) and FL11 (beer and wine) licenses during 2011-16 to the new hotel and entrepreneurs.