Distribution of Liquor in Sukhbir’s elections rally: Excise Dept. chargesheets minister Ranike’s son

Patiala, Punjab (May 03, 2014): According to media reports the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department has issued a charge sheet to Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike’s son, Bhupinderpal Singh, who is Excise and Taxation Inspector. The action has reportedly been taken on the directions of the Election Commission of India. The ECI directions came after a report by the Patiala District Electoral Officer pointing finger at Bhupinderpal Singh Ranike, for dereliction of duty that facilitated distribution of liquor during an election rally of Sukhbir Badal at Ghanaur (Patiala).

According to The Tribune (TT) the department officials said: “We are merely complying with the EC directions.”

As per information Bhupinderpal Singh had been asked to reply within 21 days.

It is notable that Priyank Bharti, District Election Officer (DEO), Patiala, in his probe report on allegations of liquor having been distributed at a SAD rally in Ghanaur, had indicted Bhupinderpal for “dereliction of duty.”

He had recommended action against him and a liquor contractor.

Bhupinderpal Ranike has been issued the charge sheet under the Punjab Civil Services Rules. “If he pleads not guilty, we will have to summon witnesses,” said an official.

The DEO has said that Bhupinderpal had initially given him information that was misleading.

He claimed his team could not establish whether the liquor brand shown in The Tribune (TT) photos had been sold by a vend in Ghanaur.

Bhupinderpal, who had raided the vend, had claimed that he had discovered no wrong-doing. However, the final report recommends strict action against Bhupinderpal. for “withholding facts from the probe team,” said Bharti.