Bar case: Vigilance likely to file FIR against former Minister K Babu

The Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau (VACB) has recommended slapping a case against former Excise Minister and Congress leader K Babu in a complaint filed by Hotel Industry Association. The association alleged irregularities and corruption in formulating the liquor policy during when Babu held the Excise portfolio in the Oommen Chandy government. 
 

Also read: Finally, KM Mani opens up: Bar bribe conspiracy was an insider job
 

The VACB recommended to carry forward the investigation and to file  FIR after it completed quick verification. The complainants had demanded a probe into the assets of the former minister. The Vigilance is likely to file the FIR on Thursday. 
 

Also read: After Chandy and Babu, another former Congress minister under Vigilance scanner
 

The liquor policy of the Ommen Chandy government had opened the Pandora's box for the Congress and the United Democratic Front and was followed by a slew of corruption allegations against the then Finance Minister KM Mani, who eventually resigned, K Babu and Oommen Chandy among other cabinet colleagues. The Barb hotel owners had alleged that the ministers demanded a huge bribe to reverse the policy and to re-open bars which were closed down following the policy implementation.
 

Also read: Vigilance court orders quick verification against  Chandy, Babu
 

Babu is facing another quick verification in a complaint related to the felling of trees from the site of the upcoming international airport at Kannur. 

• vigilance case against K Babu
• Bar bribe scam