Thiruvananthapuram, May 29 (IANS): Upset with the frequent leaks to the media of the vigilance probe details in the 'bar scam' case, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Friday said this has dented the image of the department.

Chennithala was referring to the series of leaks that have occurred during the vigilance probe in the bar scam case against two state ministers -- K.M. Mani (finance) and K. Babu (excise).

Chennithala told media persons here that it was most unfortunate that the details of the probe were surfacing in media on a day-to-day basis.

"This has seriously dented the credibility of the vigilance department. A crime branch probe has been ordered into the leaks and action will be taken against those found guilty," said Chennithala.

The media has had a field day ever since the bar scam surfaced last October when whistle-blower bar owner Biju Ramesh revealed that Mani was given Rs.one crore as bribe to ensure that closed down bars in the state are kept open.

The government had announced a probe into the matter. But the government was now upset that the details of the progress of the probe continue to appear in media on a day-to-day basis.