Oppon demands CBI Probe into Rs 900 Cr corruption allegation against Minister Thimmapura

Bengaluru
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka has called for an immediate investigation by the CBI into an alleged Rs 900 crore corruption scandal involving Karnataka’s Excise Minister R. B. Thimmapura. Ashoka also demanded that Thimmapura step down and that the Enforcement Directorate take action against the misappropriation of funds.
Addressing a press conference, Ashoka highlighted that while rowdies once collected hafta (protection money) in Bengaluru, now it is the Excise Minister who is allegedly taking bribes, amounting to Rs 18 crore weekly, which totals nearly Rs 900 crore annually. The Liquor Vendors’ Association has provided detailed evidence of the bribes paid to various officials, including the Chief Minister’s Office and Thimmapura’s personal assistants.
Ashoka remarked that although similar allegations were made during the BJP’s tenure, no substantial documentation had been provided. He also commented sarcastically that if the Congress government’s corruption were to be exposed, he would be happy to take part in that.
In protest against the alleged corruption, liquor sellers plan to observe a one-day bandh. Ashoka emphasized that the state government heavily depends on liquor sales for its revenue, warning that if bars were shut, the state’s treasury would be left empty.
Ashoka further criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of having a “black-spotted” record and questioning how investigations could be conducted fairly when they are handled by police officers under the CM’s administration. He expressed surprise at how a specific timeline for the investigation had already been set.