BENGALURU: The excise department scam, in which three officers attached to the department, including an officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner, were arrested, has taken a new twist with the BJP alleging the involvement of Minister R.B. Thimmapur.
The development has proved to be an embarrassment for the government ahead of the special session of the Legislature scheduled to commence on January 22. The Congress government is convening the special session to target the Centre over the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB G RAM G).
Sources said the Chief Minister has taken the matter seriously and has sought an explanation from Minister Thimmapur. The Minister has blamed officials for the controversy and told the Chief Minister that some officers misused his sons’ names to make money. The Chief Minister is likely to seek further clarification from the Minister to counter the opposition during the special session.