Thiruvananthapuram: Siram Sambashivarao has expressed strong dissatisfaction and protest against the government’s decision to remove him from the post of Excise Commissioner. He stated that he had operated strictly in accordance with official rules and legal procedures, and yet he cannot understand the reason for his transfer from the position. He further elaborated that all matters requiring government notification concerning the department had been reported accurately and on time from his side, and no action taken by him was detrimental to the government.
Sambashivarao emphasized that he carried out his duties as Excise Commissioner responsibly and within the framework of the law. His dissatisfaction with the government’s decision was not limited to verbal disagreement; he also demonstrated his protest by forgoing the usual official farewell ceremony and government vehicle that are commonly provided upon resignation. This act became a strong expression of his discontent.
Meanwhile, just before stepping down, Sambashivarao submitted a report to the government containing serious allegations of corruption against senior officials in the excise department. The report accused the Joint Excise Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of accepting bribes. Considering the gravity of these allegations, Sambashivarao recommended that the government initiate a vigilance inquiry against the implicated officials. He took the position that a detailed investigation should be conducted to uncover the facts behind these charges.
At the same time, Sambashivarao also justified the procedures followed in granting the FL 7 bar license at the airport. He clarified that there was no violation of rules in issuing the license and that it was granted in accordance with the existing legal provisions. He explained that, with the permission of the Customs Commissioner and airport authorities, the Excise Commissioner is authorized to issue licenses for lounge bars at airports under the regulations. The license was granted following the consent of the concerned authorities and proper legal procedures. Therefore, Sambashivarao maintained that there was no basis for allegations suggesting irregularities in this decision.
His responses clearly reflect his dissatisfaction with the government’s move to transfer him despite adherence to all directives and legal responsibilities. The issue has gained more prominence with the public protest against his transfer, the emergence of bribery allegations against senior departmental officials, and the recommendation for a vigilance probe. The government’s subsequent actions regarding the allegations and their explanation about the transfer will be crucial going forward.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
