Fight for plum post leads to whistle-blowing

KARIMNAGAR: The rivalry between two excise inspectors, who were competing for a 'plum' post in the excise task force, has led to the unravelling of the nexus between politicians, police, excise and liquor syndicates in Karimnagar district. While the one who passed on information to sleuths has had the last laugh, the other has walked into the ACB trap.According to sources, the two excise inspectors, including Siva Prasad (who was caught in the ACB raids), were eyeing the excise inspector post in the vigilance and enforcement wing in the Hyderabad range which is considered a 'plum' post. As Siva Prasad succeeded in his efforts, the other inspector had been looking for an opportunity to 'fix' him. He is learnt to have kept a surveillance on the movements of Siva Prasad. He alerted ACB sleuths after learning that circle inspector Siva Prasad and sub-inspector Bala Narsimha were going to Karimnagar for conducting raids.On December 13, both the inspectors, along with Godavarikhani excise circle inspector M Yadagiri, conducted raids on various liquor shops in Karimnagar for adulteration and sale of liquor at excessive prices.Later, they collected Rs 3.7 lakh from liquor shop owners.Sources said the whistleblower passed on the information to ACB sleuths who caught the three inspectors with the cash. While, Siva Prasad and Bala Narasimha had been suspended a few days ago, Yadagiri was suspended on Monday, it is learnt.Surprisingly, none of the local excise officers had any inkling of the visit of the excise task force officers from Hyderabad. A senior officer told this newspaper that they learnt of the visit only after the raids and arrests.