India, June 8 -- A confidential report prepared by the West Bengal Excise Department has alleged that sweeping changes introduced to the state's liquor distribution system in 2017 created a monopolistic structure that diverted thousands of crores of rupees and financially benefited senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including party National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

According to the report, reviewed by The Statesman, the policy overhaul replaced a competitive network of private liquor wholesalers with a state-controlled distribution model through the West Bengal State Beverages Corporation Limited (WBSBCL).

The report alleges that the changes were implemented under the stated objectives of ensuring transparency, prevent...