Excise Preventive Officer accused of selling liquor to smuggler, investigation underway

Kozhikode: An Excise Preventive Officer is under investigation for allegedly selling liquor to a smuggler, sparking controversy within the department. The incident came to light when the accused smuggler, who was arrested and remanded by the Excise Department, claimed that the Preventive Officer from Nadapuram had sold him the Mahe liquor.

The matter gained attention after the statement of the accused smuggler was recorded by the Assistant Excise Inspector within the Mahzar. The Excise Intelligence Division has submitted a report to higher officials following the revelation.

Officials had seized the mobile phone of the accused smuggler during the investigation, revealing communication with the preventive officer. The Assistant Excise Commissioner of Kozhikode District has ordered a detailed inquiry into the case, directing the Perambra Excise Circle Inspector to examine Call Detail Records (CDR) from the officer's time in Koyilandy. The excise team led by the assistant inspector had apprehended the smuggler recently near the Koyilandy flyover.

The accused officer, who had faced previous allegations and was transferred to Nadapuram amid bribery accusations two months ago, is now under further scrutiny. He is also subject to a vigilance investigation related to the same incident.

Earlier, the Preventive Officer, who hails from Kannur district, was relocated to Kozhikode after facing objections in his own district for allegedly aiding a ganja seller. The department later allowed him to continue in service.