A virtual purge in the TASMAC retail outlet establishment in Karur district has been effected following a thorough search and enquiry launched by top officials from Chennai. After three days of inquiry, 24 personnel had been placed under suspension for various irregularities.
Trouble was brewing in TASMAC Karur for sometime now with the field sales personnel and supervisors at loggerheads with the district Tasmac officials over meeting stiff sales targets, illegal sale of liquor during dry days, unjustified bout of transfers, charging excess price for products sold at the counter, and demand for gratification among other things.
Sources in the TASMAC establishment said because of the continuing fester between the officials and the field staff, the TASMAC local administration pitched for a transfer of 52 personnel between October and December last.
Irked staff wrote to their superiors alleging gross irregularities in Karur TASMAC administration and stay the transfers. With the tussle intensifying, the TASMAC top brass in Chennai despatched a team of officials headed by the Joint Managing Director Mohan to look into the affairs in Karur. The team conducted a search, investigation and reconciliation of accounts and books for three days ending Sunday during which irregularities in maintaining accounts, stock, sale, and input variations were detected in many regions.
The issue closest to the liquor consumers — action against excess charging for liquor sold at the retail outlets and illegal sale of liquor during dry days — featured prominently in the deliberations. Sales personnel bore brunt as they were found to be paying for even unsold consignment showing that as “sold” for bolstering revenue and meet targets.
Frayed tempers involving some officials and sales personnel added to the cocktail of charges leaving the Chennai officials red faced. The team from Chennai grilled TASMAC District Manager Balachandran for various acts of omission and commission but found far short of acceptable replies, it is learnt.
After the investigations, 13 sales personnel and 11 supervisors had been placed under suspension pending enquiry on charges of indulging in gross malpractices. The officials had not ruled out inquiry into the happenings on in Karur.
TASMAC Karur District Manager Balachandran refused to comment on the developments.
Sudarshan, TASMAC Senior Regional Manager, Tiruchi, told The Hindu that he was awaiting the complete report before taking action.
