“Massive Benami Toddy Shop Scandal: Licenses of 12 Ranges Cancelled”

Thiruvananthapuram – One of the biggest benami toddy shop transactions in the history of Excise is out. The licenses of 12 ranges of toddy shops in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Thrissur districts were canceled after it was found that Sreedharan, a resident of Chalakudy, Thrissur, was running the toddy shops under a benami name. Excise got information that around 900 shops are being run in benami names in the name of Sreedharan’s relatives.

Excise inspection also found that Sreedharan transferred Rs 35 lakh to a distillery called Kaya Spirit in Punjab. No need to buy spirit from distilleries to operate a toddy shop. Excise officials say the spirit was bought to make fake toddy. As there is a suspicion that the help of the excise officials has been received, an investigation is also being conducted into the same.

Under the Abkari Act, the license can be revoked if the license is violated. The licensee may not transfer the license or operating rights to another person. South Region Excise Intelligence Bureau Assistant Excise Commissioner had reported in February that Sreedharan was running over 80 toddy shops in the state as benami. In the subsequent investigation, it was found that the toddy shops were being run as benami. The investigation also found that the company dealing with shops is in the name of Sreedharan’s wife.

English Summary: Licenses of toddy shops in 12 ranges cancelled