Lok Satta demands action against liquor scam accused
Hyderabad, Feb 8 (INN): The Lok Satta Party on Wednesday demanded that Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, facing charges of accepting a bribe from a liquor syndicate, resign immediately accepting moral responsibility and face the ACB inquiry.
The party also wanted the Government to suspend all officials figuring in the ACB report as bribe takers. Similarly, media managements should act against their employees found guilty in the liquor scandal. Legislators facing charges should cooperate with the inquiry without distracting it.
The Lok Satta Party spelt out its stand on the liquor scam unearthed by the Anti Corruption Bureau at a media conference addressed by Working President DVVS Varma, and other leaders.
The ACB raids have revealed, said the Lok Satta leaders, that all 'sampradaya rajakiya' (sara) (traditional political) parties including the Congress and the Telugu Desam have been guilty of turning Andhra Pradesh into a 'Madyandhrapradesh' by being partners in liquor trade and in forming liquor syndicates despite their protestations against the liquor menace. Although the players in the liquor trade belong to different parties, they are hand in glove with each other. The traditional political parties have been fielding liquor traders as their candidates in elections.
The Lok Satta leaders demanded that Left parties, which call for curbs on liquor consumption, should explain how they could accept donations from liquor syndicates which have been fleecing people by opening illegal outlets and selling liquor above the maximum retail price. Political parties which have colluded with liquor syndicates should openly apologize to the public.
The Lok Satta leaders said the Government has spawned and nurtured corruption by auctioning liquor outlets to highest bidders. The licensees in turn promoted belt shops and sold liquor over and above the maximum retail price. They demanded that the Government take over retail liquor trade, limit the number of shops and sales timings, make the ACB autonomous and bring it under the Lokayukta purview,
In reply to a question, Varma asserted that the party would expel anyone found guilty of accepting donations from the liquor lobby.
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Lok Satta demands action against liquor scam accused
Place ACB report on liquor scam in the House, demands TDP
2012/2/27 3:05:15 Hyderabad, Feb 27 (INN): Telugu Desam MLA P Raghunath Reddy on Monday criticized the government for not tabling the ACB report on liquor syndicate before the House for discussion.
Talking to media persons at Assembly media point, he came down heavily on the government for avoiding discussion on liquor scam. "Instead of taking up discussion and disclosing the names of those who involved in the scam, the government was resorting to frequent adjournment of House," he alleged.
Raghunath Reddy said if the government was really committed to end corruption, the state government should order judicial probe with a sitting High Court judge into the liquor syndicate and take serious disciplinary action against those found guilty.
TDP leader and Vijayawada MLA Devineni Umamaheswar Rao said that Kiran Government was biased and prejudiced in dealing with the liquor syndicate scam. He said that the Government has been arresting police and excise officials based on the statement of a criminal. But they were questioning the credibility of an accused Nunna Ramana when it came to the arrest of politicians including Excise minister Mopidevi Vankata Ramana Rao.
He said that the fear of political crisis and the fall of Kiran Kumar Reddy Government were forcing the Congress high Command to go slow in the liquor scam.
TDP whip Dhulipala Narendra criticized Deputy Speaker Bhatti Vikramarka for frequently adjourning the House without giving a chance to members for speaking on important public issues.
2011/12/21 16:41:49 The Lok Satta Party and its affiliates will take out rallies and conduct sit-ins in all municipal towns on December 24 demanding publication of the names of beneficiaries of liquor syndicate s’ kickbacks and swift and deterrent action against the guilty. The party will associate civil society organizations and liquor victims with its agitation program.
Announcing this, Lok Satta Party General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao demanded that the Government take over the liquor trade and ban illegal outlets known as belt shops.
He recalled that sections of media had lighted the links between ruling party and Opposition leaders with liquor syndicates during the 2010 auctions. He accused the Congress and the TDP of shedding crocodile tears over the liquor menace even as they contributed to spreading the liquor cult and made money in the process. He wanted the traditional party leaders to join the Lok Satta in its fight against belt shops and illicit liquor.
Lok Satta Party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao, Bandaru Ramamohana Rao and P. Rambabu conveyed their condolences over the death Pratik Reddy, son of former Minister Komati Venkata Reddy, and two others in an Outer Ring Road accident. They wanted the Government to take measures to prevent such accidents. (INN)
Court extends judicial remand of liquor case accused to Feb 29
2012/2/24 2:12:33 Warangal, Feb 24 (INN): The ACB Court, Warangal, on Friday extended the judicial remand of nine accused in the liquor scam to Feb 29. The accused include one Excise and Prohibition inspector Porika Karamchand.
The accused were produced before the ACB court after their custody expired on Friday. Later, they were shifted to Warangal Jail.
It may be mentioned that the ACB sleuths arrested four persons – A Anand, V Someshwar, P Ramesh and R Vidyasagar, who were working as accountants with the PMR Group and four traders – Muthineni Veerachander, Akuthota Sudhakar, Pingali Mohan Reddy and Ch Santosh Reddy for their alleged involvement in the liquor scam in January.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing on bail petition of Nunna Venkata Ramana, the alleged kingpin of liquor syndicate, who reportedly paid bribes to Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana and several other politicians, to Feb 28.
2012/2/24 7:31:42 Hyderabad, Feb 24 (INN): The left parties, Bharatiya Janata Party and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen on Friday staged a walk-out from the State Legislative Assembly for non-acceptance of their demands during the debate on liquor syndicate.
Talking to reporters later, BJP floor leader E Lakshminaraynana said that the State Government has failed to regulate the sale of liquor in the State. He said the BJP has demanded constitution of a House Committee to probe into the liquor syndicate, which was not accepted by the government.
CPI (M) floor leader J Ranga Reddy said that the State Government should have ordered judicial enquiry into the scam. But instead of exposing the corrupt, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy was openly defending his cabinet colleague and Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana who has been accused of taking bribe from the liquor syndicate. He alleged that the TDP and Congress MLAs have misused the House to level personal allegations.
CPI MLA Chandravati condemned the debate on liquor syndicate and said that senior MLAs have set a bad precedent for junior MLAs like her by misusing the House to level personal allegations.
Similarly, MIM members staged a walkout from the House while demanding total prohibition in the State.
2012/2/27 2:52:37 Hyderabad, Feb 27 (INN): Communist Party of India (Marxist) floor leader Julakanti Rangareddy on Monday demanded that the State Government order judicial probe into the liquor syndicate as several influential persons were involved in scam.
Talking to media persons at Assembly media point, Rangareddy said that the government was afraid of placing the full ACB report in the House and was resorting to postponement of the House frequently to divert the attention of people. He demanded that the government order judicial probe with a sitting High Court judge into the liquor scam to get complete details over the alleged nexus of politicians, excise officials and others.
Protesting against the government's resistance in tabling the ACB report in the assembly, he said that the CPI (M) would meet Governor E S L Narasimhan and seek his intervention on the issue. He appealed to the Governor to recommend the dismissal of ministers and officials involved in the scam and initiate stern action on them.
Rangareddy also came down heavily on the Speaker for frequently adjourning the House without taking up a discussion on people’s issues.
Disclose the names of liquor kickback recipients: LS
2011/12/20 17:22:56 The Lok Satta Party on Tuesday demanded that the State Government straightway disclose the names of people's representatives, officials and others who have received kickbacks from liquor syndicates.
It may be recalled that the State's Anti Corruption Bureau had raided the offices of liquor syndicates and seized documents testifying to payment of bribes to influential people for conniving at their illegal activities.
Addressing a media conference, Lok Satta Party Acting Working President V Laxman Balaji and other leaders said that the Government should inquire into the scam without delay and mete out stringent punishment including confiscation of ill-gotten property to the guilty.
The leaders recalled that it is only the Lok Satta Party which had agitated against auction of liquor shops as it anticipated its inexorable consequences. Those who obtained liquor shops at exorbitant rates have been indulging in malpractices like selling liquor at more than maximum retail prices, palming off spurious liquor, encouraging opening of belt shops and running unofficial bars at licensed retail outlets.
They alleged that traditional political parties like the Congress and the Telugu Desam, which believe in luring voters with liquor, running liquor shops in benami names and accepting party funds from liquor mafia did not join the Lok Satta in its agitation.
Both the Congress and the TDP had been guilty of turning liquor into a cash cow for the State exchequer and ruining the health and finances of the poor, they charged. The poor are squandering their earnings under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme on consuming liquor as liquor shops have become omnipresent. They demanded that the Government publish a white paper on the funds it spends on the welfare of the poor and the revenue it derives from liquor sales.
The Lok Satta leaders demanded that the Government run liquor shops by doing away with the auction system. It should put an end to belt shops and illicit liquor, and drastically regulate the number of liquor outlets. Village panchayats should have the freedom to decide whether there should be a liquor outlet in the village or not, they added. (INN)
2011/12/19 1:24:45 The Telugu Desam Party on Sunday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation into the liquor scam in the state.Addressing a press conference at district party office, TDP MLA Devineni Umamaheswara Rao demanded that the government register cases against those Ministers for their alleged involvement in the liquor mafia.He said the CBI probe into excise-police-political nexus would come up with complete details and reveal more names in a couple of days.
He said the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) searches at the offices of liquor syndicates in several parts of the state have revealed the nexus between the Ministers and liquor syndicate.
He suspected that the family members of Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana might have been involved in the liquor syndicate. He demanded the ACB officials to reveal the documents which were seized during the raids in the state.
Meanwhile the Communist Party of India state secretary K Narayana demanded that the government order CB-CID probe into liquor scam in the State (INN).
Govt ready to order probe into liquor scam: Minister
2011/12/19 1:35:30 Excise & Prohibition Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao on Sunday stated that the state government was ready to order probe into liquor scam in the wake of alleged nexus between Ministers and liquor syndicate.
Talking to media persons at the Congress Legislature Party Office, Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao said that the government was ready to initiate action on those ministers, if found involved in receiving the bribes from liquor syndicate.
“Even I am ready to face any kind of probe against me in this connection,” he said. Stating that the government yet to receive a report from the Anti Corruption Bureau over the raids and seizing of documents, he said once the probing agency submits its report, the government would initiate action against those who are responsible for the scam.
He said the ACB was doing its duty and not targeting anyone in this regard. He said that excise officials have booked 780 cases against those liquor shops which are selling liquor at more than MRP.
Stating that Rs 50,000 fine imposed on shops for booking them for first time, he said the officials would impose Rs 1 lakh for registering case for second time. If the shop was booked for third time, he said the department would cancel the licence of shop.
Admitting the loopholes in auction of liquor shops, he said the government would take all steps to maintain transparency in auction and announce a new liquor policy by Budget session.
He said the TDP has no moral right to seek a probe on liquor scam as more number of belt shops came during their tenure.(INN)
Naidu seeks Governor's intervention on liquor scam
2012/2/27 7:12:14 Hyderabad, Feb 27 (INN): In protest against State Government’s refusal to table the report of Anti-Corruption Bureau on the liquor syndicate issue in the House, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday called on Governor E S L Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan and urged him to direct the government to dismiss the ministers involved in the scam.
Talking to media persons after submitting a memorandum to the Governor at Raj Bhavan, Naidu stressed on the need for ordering comprehensive probe into the liquor syndicate operations which have caused huge losses to the State's exchequer. Demanding the dismissal of ministers from Cabinet for their alleged nexus with liquor syndicate, he accused the Kiran Kumar Reddy Government of shielding them to protect his own government.
Describing Kiran Kumar as `weakest Chief Minister’ so far he has seen in his political career, Naidu said that the Chief Minister has no courage to initiate action against his tainted ministers in fear of losing his chair. Seeking Governor's intervention to break the standoff, Naidu said that the ball was now in the court of the Governor to act on the scam.
Several TDP MLAs and MLCs accompanied Naidu to Raj Bhavan.
2011/12/21 16:37:42 The activists of Communist Party of India on Wednesday staged a dharna before the Excise Department office demanding stern action against those involved in the liquor syndicate.
CPI State Secretary M Narayana, who led the protest, told reporters that the State Government should not shield anyone involved in the liquor syndicate. He demanded that the government disclose the contents of the reports of Anti Corruption Bureau's raids on the liquor syndicate.
Narayana asked the government to take action against the liquor syndicates across the State as they have been fleecing the common man by charging exorbitant rates. He also demanded that the government release a White Paper on the issue. (INN)
Botsa irks with Naidu insisting discussion on liquor issue
2012/2/15 2:23:52 Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana on Wednesday came down heavily on Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu for stalling the proceedings in the House.
Talking to media persons at the Congress Legislature Party office, Botsa Satyanarayana accused Naidu of adopting double standards in the House and pressing for discussion on liquor syndicate issue instead of raising farmers, junior doctors, students and weavers issues. He asked Naidu to explain why he was pressing for discussion on liquor scam instead of problems being faced by the people.
Stating that government was ready to give explanation on any issue, the PCC chief stated Naidu was raising the issue of liquor scam in order to get mileage on the issue. He said the people of State were losing hopes on Naidu as he failed to play constructive role as a responsible Opposition Leader. “At least now Naidu should realize his responsibilities and help to run the House smoothly,” he said.
Botsa said that the government was ready to give its reply on ACB report if the House runs smoothly. “How can the government give its reply if the opposition continuously disrupts the House and forces Speaker Nadendla Manohar to adjourn it?” he asked.
Stating that no Congress leader was found involved in the liquor scam, he asked Naidu to explain what action he has taken on the TDP members whose names figures in the liquor syndicate. (INN)
2012/3/10 3:18:36 Lok Satta president Dr Jaya Prakash Narayan on Saturday said that his party would never object to the formation of Telangana state.
Addressing an election rally at Palamuru in Mahbubnagar district on behalf of Lok Satta candidate Mohd Ghouse Moinuddin, Dr JP said that the development of the State was possible with smaller States only. He said that the party would extend full support to the Centre for the formation of Telangana. He appealed to the Centre not to drag the statehood issue further as it would affect the progress of State on all fronts.
The Lok Satta president also expressed serious concern over the free flow of liquor and use of money and muscle power in the by-elections. He also accused mainstream political parties of misusing youth for their political gains. (INN)
Panchayats enforcing prohibition need to rewarded: LS
2012/1/16 12:03:15 Welcoming the Excise Minister’s move to constitute a committee to campaign against the liquor menace, the Lok Satta Party on Monday suggested that the State Government reward panchayats enforcing Prohibition with an annual grant of Rs 100,000.
Lok Satta Party President D VV S Varma in a statement suggested that the anti liquor campaign committee should have enough resources and powers to accomplish the Government’s objective.
Varma recalled that the Congress Party, which returned to power in 2004 by promising to usher in Prohibition in phases, has done all that it could to encourage liquor consumption by auctioning liquor shops. Subsequently, it formed an anti liquor campaign committee devoid of powers and funds for rehabilitating some party workers.
The committee did not fulfill its promise of granting a cash incentive of Rs.100,000 to panchayats enforcing Prohibition although the Lok Satta submitted a list of such villages, he said. If history were not to repeat itself, the Government should allocate more than Rs.40 crore for the proposed committee and confer adequate powers on it.
Varma reiterated the party demand that the Government itself run retail liquor shops in the excise year beginning July 2012. The decision to permit or deny location of a liquor shop in a village should be left to its panchayat/or gram sabha. (INN)
2011/12/24 9:11:21 The Communist Party of India on Friday demanded that the State Government immediately release a `White Paper’ on the Anti Corruption Bureau raids on the liquor syndicate as thousands of crores of rupees were involved in the scam.
Talking to reporters at Maqdoom Bhavan, CPI State Secretary K Narayana also demanded that the government order Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the liquor syndicate following reports of alleged involvement of politicians, excise officials and journalists. He said that the delay in releasing of ACB report giving room for suspicion that government was openly shielding the guilty involved in the scam.
Narayana asked as to why Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy was afraid of disclosing the contents of the ACB report. He demanded the government take severe action against the guilty, irrespective of their position as per relevant laws. He advised the government to review the Excise Policy and make it fool-proof to put an end to irregularities during liquor auction.
The CPI leader also slammed the government on sand mining policy and bauxite mining in agency areas of Visakhapatnam district. He warned the government of serious consequences if it fails to cancel the permits for bauxite mining in agency areas violating the environment and forest acts. (INN)
Naidu seeks CM's explanation on ACB officials' transfer
2012/4/7 4:12:41 Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday accused the State Government of shielding the corrupt ministers who are having nexus with the liquor syndicate.
Talking to media persons at NTR Trust Bhavan, Naidu alleged that the government was trying to protect the Transport Minister Botsa Satyanarayana and others from the liquor scam. He accused the government of transferring the sincere officials to water down the investigations into liquor scam. He said that the transfer of outright officials like ACB Joint Director K Srinivasa Reddy would definitely affect the morale of department.
Naidu alleged that the government effected the transfer of ACB investigation officials at the crucial phase to divert the attention of the people and to shield the corrupt ministers. He asked Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to give an explanation over the transfers and for what purpose he promoted Srinivasa Reddy to Coastal Security.
Stating that 140 elected representatives were allegedly having links with the liquor syndicate, he said that the Chief Minister and Transport Minister Botsa Satyanarayana have no moral right to continue on their posts for trying to punish the honest officials. He said that the government was playing with people’s health and their lives.
Naidu reiterated that his party would intensify its agitation against the liquor mafia in the State. (INN)
2012/5/15 7:19:26 Hyderabad, May 15 (INN): The Lok Satta Party on Tuesday termed the State Government’s move to grant liquor shop licenses on a lottery basis as "nothing but old wine in new bottle." The lottery system, which was in vogue until 2004, too has the potential for formation of syndicates and all the evils that go with them.
In a letter, Lok Satta Party Working President D V V S Varma requested Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy to convene an all-party meeting for discussing the new liquor policy.
According to media reports, the Cabinet sub-committee which studied the systems prevailing in a number of States suggested that liquor shops be allotted on a lottery basis. He pointed out it is strange that the sub-committee seeks to revive the Chandrababu Naidu Government policy instead of opting for State take-over of retail trade in liquor as in Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
Varma said that most political parties in the State are in favor of the State Government taking over retail liquor trade and restricting liquor consumption through limiting the number of shops and the days and hours of their working.
He warned the Chief Minister that revival of the Chandrababu policy will neither produce good results nor enhance the Government's image.
2012/1/27 14:48:15 The South Zone team of Commissioner’s Task Force has arrested a person who was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of liquor. The police have seized 255 IML whiskey and beer bottles from his possession.
According to police, on credible information the accused C Vishwanath was arrested for allegedly selling liquor at his residence at Sai Baba Nagar in Chatrinaka. Police claimed that Vishwanath has confessed that he was illegally selling the liquor bottles from his residence for the last six months at higher rates.
Police seized 135 whiskey bottles of various brands, 120 Beer bottles of King Fisher and net cash of Rs 3,900 from his possession.
The arrested accused and seized property were handed over to Chatrinaka Police Station for further action. (INN)
TDP, Congress stage dharnas in Vizianagaram on liquor syndicate
2012/4/23 9:56:52 Vizianagaram, April 23 (INN): Amidst high political drama, the Congress and Telugu Desam Party on Monday held simultaneous dharnas near the district collectorate accusing each other of being involved in the multi-crore liquor scam.
Despite denial of permission by the police, hundreds of TDP workers led by party president N Chandrababu Naidu took out a rally from former minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju's residence to the NTR Statue. However, they were prevented by the police from proceeding further. Consequently, Naidu and TDP workers staged dharna for about two hours seeking police permission to hold protest.
After high political drama, the police granted permission to the TDP to hold protest near the Collectorate. After garlanding the NTR's statue, Naidu went in a rally to the district collectorate. Addressing the gathering, Naidu alleged that the ruling Congress party was trying to suppress the voice of opposition using police forces. He also alleged of misbehavior by some police officials.
Naidu demanded that the State Government gives free hand to the Anti-Corruption Bureau in investigating the liquor syndicate scam and later the ACB report should be made public. He also accused Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana of having nexus with the liquor syndicate. Demanding that Botsa disclose his assets, he alleged that the PCC chief was involved in several corrupt practices.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Congress workers led by DCC president K Veerabhadra Swamy, Stamps and Registration Minister Thota Narasimhulu, MLAs Botsa Appula Narasaiah, Appula Naidu and Rajanna Dora took out a rally from NCS Theatre to the district Collectorate.
Talking to reporters, Veerabhadra Swamy alleged that several TDP leaders were involved in the liquor scam. He said Naidu has no moral right to criticise the ruling party before taking action against his own party men. He said it was ridiculous that Naidu who lifted total prohibition imposed by late NT Rama Rao was now talking against the liquor syndicate.
2011/12/19 9:55:27 Demanding removal of ministers having alleged nexus with the liquor mafia, the Telugu Desam Party on Monday staged a dharna at Gollapudi on the National Highway No 9 disrupting the traffic.
Leading the agitation, MLA Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao demanded that the government disclose the details of report of raids by the Anti Corruption Bureau on the liquor syndicate last week. Asking the government to initiate action against those Ministers for their alleged involvement, he alleged that one-third of the cabinet ministers might be involved in the liquor scam. He also alleged that the family members of Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana were having a nexus with the liquor mafia.
Devineni alleged that the liquor syndicate in collusion with the ministers was selling the liquor at higher price in shops violating the MRP and other norms fixed by the government. He demanded that the Chief Minister give an explanation over the issue to clear the doubts among people.
The TDP activists also burnt effigy of the State Government during the protest. (INN)
2011/9/23 8:34:14 The City Police on Friday arrested a Kirana shop owner for running a satta gambling den.
According to Shalibanda police, the accused - Azmatulalh Khan, 52, was arrested for allegedly running a satta gambling den at his residence at Ghazibanda. Police have also seized cash of Rs 7,110 and 'satta' slips from his possession.
A case has been registered and further investigations are on to ascertain the involvement of a gang in such activities. (INN)
The Lok Satta Party and its affiliates will take out rallies and conduct sit-ins in all municipal towns on December 24 demanding publication of the names of beneficiaries of liquor syndicate s’ kickbacks and swift and deterrent action against the guilty. The party will associate civil society organizations and liquor victims with its agitation program.
The Lok Satta Party on Tuesday demanded that the State Government straightway disclose the names of people's representatives, officials and others who have received kickbacks from liquor syndicates.
The Telugu Desam Party on Sunday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation into the liquor scam in the state.Addressing a press conference at district party office, TDP MLA Devineni Umamaheswara Rao demanded that the government register cases against those Ministers for their alleged involvement in the liquor mafia.He said the CBI probe into excise-police-political nexus would come up with complete details and reveal more names in a couple of days.
Excise & Prohibition Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao on Sunday stated that the state government was ready to order probe into liquor scam in the wake of alleged nexus between Ministers and liquor syndicate.
The activists of Communist Party of India on Wednesday staged a dharna before the Excise Department office demanding stern action against those involved in the liquor syndicate.
Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana on Wednesday came down heavily on Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu for stalling the proceedings in the House.
Lok Satta president Dr Jaya Prakash Narayan on Saturday said that his party would never object to the formation of Telangana state.
Welcoming the Excise Minister’s move to constitute a committee to campaign against the liquor menace, the Lok Satta Party on Monday suggested that the State Government reward panchayats enforcing Prohibition with an annual grant of Rs 100,000.
The Communist Party of India on Friday demanded that the State Government immediately release a `White Paper’ on the Anti Corruption Bureau raids on the liquor syndicate as thousands of crores of rupees were involved in the scam.
Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday accused the State Government of shielding the corrupt ministers who are having nexus with the liquor syndicate.
