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(3) The procurement system was shifted to a manual process, giving scope for manipulation in OFS against the previous automated OFS system, compromising the process's integrity.

iv. The MD, APSBCL, reported that the Committee reviewed OFS data from 2018 onward, as detailed in the annexures. However, the motive behind the observed discrimination and procurement irregularities remained unclear. The Committee recommended appointing an external specialised agency for further investigation, which the MD supported. The report has been reviewed, and given the gravity of issues, i.e., suppression of brands, unfair discrimination, preferential allocation, and other violations, further action is warranted.

16. The case of the prosecution is that following the 2019 elections, the government introduced a liquor policy vide G.O.Ms.No.357 (16.08.2019), establishing 3,500 Government Retail Outlets (GROs) under APSBCL. The policy, purportedly towards prohibition, however, the prosecution contends that instead it facilitated State control over the liquor trade. A new excise policy replaced the transparent, automated liquor procurement system with a discretionary, email-based OFS mechanism under APSBC. This shift enabled select distilleries, often shell companies or non-operational entities, to secure supply orders in exchange for kickbacks. The manual override of the system allowed the accused complete control of the liquor trade, eliminating transparency.