Bengaluru: Evidence of irregularities in Karnataka’s Excise Department has emerged after Lokayukta police found that Additional Commissioner Y. Manjunath allegedly used his position to secure liquor licences for relatives and associates. Manjunath is the brother-in-law of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi.
The inquiry now covers licence approvals issued from 2020 to 2025. Investigators believe the irregularities may form part of a wider pattern rather than isolated incidents.
Sources indicate that more than 30 bar and shop licences were granted to individuals connected to Manjunath. Authorities are checking whether standard procedures were bypassed.
The probe gained pace after Enforcement Directorate raids on 24 June at several sites linked to Manjunath. Assets valued at Rs 13.3 crore were seized, leading Lokayukta teams to review licence records from his tenure.
Teams have searched offices of Excise Deputy Commissioners in Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts and collected related files.
Although the department states that licences are processed through an online system, investigators suspect informal approvals occurred before applications reached the digital stage.
The family connection to a serving minister has increased the political profile of the case. Satish Jarkiholi has not been named as an accused.
Officials are also reviewing records from other districts and have asked current and former deputy commissioners to provide documents and appear for questioning.
The investigation follows a separate bribery case in which an excise deputy commissioner and two officials were arrested. Authorities are considering further FIRs under the Prevention of Corruption Act if evidence of misuse is confirmed.
Renewal of five-year licences is also under review for possible irregularities. Analysis of departmental records is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
