Hyderabad:
Dismissing allegations of receiving kickbacks from liquor syndicates, Andhra Pradesh Excise Minister M Venkataramana today said he is ready to face any probe to prove his innocence.
"I requested Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy to order a thorough probe into these allegations. I am ready to quit my post within seconds if I am proved guilty. I have nothing to
do with the person who made allegations that he paid kickbacks to me," he told reporters here.
The minister's name reportedly figured in a report prepared by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the state government following an allegation made by a liquor businessman that he paid money to the minister.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau also reportedly mentioned the names of political leaders from other parties as well. The minister said the Anti-Corruption Bureau should have taken his version before mentioning his name in the report.
He maintained that he has become an "eyesore" to liquor businessmen and some officials for making efforts to stop violations like selling liquor above the Maximum Retail Price.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has been conducting raids on liquor syndicates since December last for violations of rules and the bureau has announced a nexus among liquor businessmen, government officials and politicians.