Agency alleges organised bribery network; Cash book reveals flow of bribe money 

Mysuru: Two days after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations linked to senior Karnataka Excise Department officials, the agency has disclosed details of what it alleges is a well-organised corruption network involving excise officers, their associates and private individuals. 

The investigation has assumed political significance as one of the key persons under scrutiny is Y.D. Manjunath, Additional Excise Commissioner and brother-in-law of Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi. 

The ED carried out coordinated raids on June 24 at 14 locations across Bengaluru, Mysuru and Belagavi districts. The searches covered premises linked to excise officials, their family members, business associates and close aides. 

Organised bribery network 

According to an ED press release, the raids resulted in the seizure of cash, gold, foreign currency and documents that allegedly expose the functioning of an organised bribery network within the Excise Department. 

Searches at premises linked to Manjunath, his driver, relatives and associates led to the recovery of about Rs. 5.5 crore in cash, gold jewellery worth approximately Rs. 7.8 crore and foreign currencies valued at Rs. 3.3 lakh. Altogether, the agency has identified and seized assets worth about Rs. 13.3 crore, which it suspects are proceeds of crime. 

The ED also seized digital devices, property records and what it described as a detailed cash ledger allegedly recording the collection and distribution of bribe money. 

Modus operandi 

According to the ED, the investigation points to a structured system of corruption operating at various levels of the Excise Department. The agency alleges that monthly collections were made from liquor vendors and retail outlets across Karnataka.  

The money, it claims, was routed through intermediaries before being distributed among various beneficiaries. Investigators believe the seized cash ledger may help trace the movement of illicit funds and identify those involved. 

The ED has also alleged that some excise officials had indirect interests in the liquor trade by operating liquor outlets through family members and relatives. It further claims that the illegally collected money was used to acquire properties, fund personal expenses and invest in private businesses. 

Besides Manjunath, the searches covered premises linked to Excise Department officials Jagadish Nayak and K.M. Thammanna, along with their relatives, business partners and associates. 

The agency is now examining the seized documents and digital evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged corruption network. It said the investigation is at a preliminary stage and further action is likely based on the evidence collected.