Karnataka Excise Minister May Be Fired Over Scam Claims | India News – Times of India

BENGALURU: Days after wine traders alleged corruption in transfers and license renewals in Karnataka excise department, minister said R.B. Timmapur The ministry may be removed from the ministry or assigned another portfolio, with the crisis-hit department going to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Sources indicated on Tuesday that Timmapur may be given a new role after strong signals from the high command. This development comes afterwards Federation of Association of Wine Merchants has called off a proposed statewide strike scheduled for Wednesday. The merchants had threatened to close liquor shops across the state if Timmapur was not removed from his post.
Timmapur has denied the allegations, stating that all transfers and license renewals are standard procedures and complaints should be addressed to the concerned officials.
The decision to withdraw the strike call followed a meeting between the federation representatives and CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday afternoon.
“The meeting went well and the CM responded positively to our demands. A committee of officials will review our concerns and submit a report. Based on this, appropriate action will be taken. The CM has promised to address our concerns wherever possible, said Federation General Secretary B Govindaraj Hegde after the meeting.
The federation had accused the excise minister of accepting bribes for the transfer of excise officials and for the renewal and transfer of liquor shop licenses. BJP urged CM to form an SIT to probe the allegations.