Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Faces New Scam Allegations: Rs 700 Crore Corruption In Excise Dept

Already under fire from the MUDA land scam, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is now entangled in yet another corruption controversy. The Karnataka Wine Merchants’ Association has sent a letter to Raj Bhavan, the Chief Minister, and the Lokayukta, urging action against alleged corruption involving the state Excise Minister and department officials. According to an email accessed by India Today, the association accuses Excise Minister RB Thimmapur and his office of engaging in unethical practices and extortion. The letter alleges that the minister accepts bribes to approve transfers of department officials, who in turn demand money from liquor outlets. The association also claims that CL7 bar licenses are being granted for bribes ranging from Rs 30-70 lakh, leading to widespread illegal licensing. Over the past year, approximately 1,000 illegal licenses were allegedly issued, with bribes totaling an estimated Rs 300-700 crore, according to the association. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, from the BJP, criticized the Chief Minister on social media platform X, questioning if the “scam Sarkaar” would shield the guilty once again. As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Siddaramaiah to see if he will respond to these fresh allegations. India Today's Sagay Raj brings in his ground report from Bengaluru,