Scams in Government Liquor Shops in Ongole:
Mismanagement has occurred in the government-run liquor shops during the YSRCP regime. Officials have preliminarily confirmed that approximately Rs. 5 crore in cash was embezzled from 2 elite malls and 14 shops centered in Prakasam district’s Ongole. Authorities suspect the involvement of head constable Marneni Ramana, who works in the excise department, along with some shop staff. Simultaneously, there are accusations that the then officials, who were supposed to regularly reconcile the accounts, neglected their responsibilities.
Realization Too Late:
Although illegal activities had been going on for about two years in the two malls and 14 shops in Ongole, officials failed to detect them. Even though the head constable was responsible for overseeing the liquor shops, SI and CI level officers were expected to inspect them within a specified period. If there were any suspicions of illegal activities, they were supposed to initiate an investigation and take action immediately. However, it is alleged that excise officers behaved differently in this massive scam. There are no records of the excise officers even conducting inspections.
“J” Brands Approved – Choose Your Drink – Four Brands’ Quarter for Rs. 99:
Now that the issue has come to light, authorities seem to be taking action only after the damage is done. Nevertheless, the excise department’s investigation is still proceeding slowly, handling the matter cautiously. The excise officers have lodged a complaint with the police regarding the fund embezzlement. As a result, the police have initiated an internal inquiry. They are investigating whether the head constable acted alone or if the shop staff were also involved. It has come to the police’s notice that a person who worked as a supervisor in one of the malls has been absent from duties for some time.
Women Show Interest in Liquor Shops – Allocation Process Completed:
Delay Benefiting the Accused:
A few days ago, staff working at the elite mall met with Prakasam District SP Damodar and lodged a complaint regarding the large-scale scam in the liquor shops. Following the SP’s orders, the concerned police began an inquiry into the matter but did not register a case. The police summoned Ramana, who was facing the allegations, to the station for questioning and gathered details from the excise CI. Soon after, Ramana went into hiding. Meanwhile, some staff members from the Mangamoor Road mall sought the assistance of a lawyer. The police suspect that the mall staff may have been involved in this scam.
Liquor Shops and Hidden Secrets – Who Gets the Kickback?
Despite receiving a complaint from some of the mall staff, no case was registered, as the police waited for a complaint from the excise officials. Taking advantage of this delay, the accused head constable went into hiding. Meanwhile, those who displayed their skills while working in the malls and shops sought legal assistance. The question now is when the excise officials will complete their internal inquiry and when they will take action against the accused. Excise Department Superintendent Sheikh Khajamoheyuddin has stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and they will submit a report to the police. Based on the report, necessary action will be taken against those responsible.
