The Excise, Prohibition, and Registration Department in Bihar has decided to take stringent measures to curb liquor smuggling and illegal sales. Secretary Ajay Yadav held a weekly review meeting on Tuesday with all district superintendents and check post in-charges. He directed a zero-tolerance policy against liquor smuggling and instructed increased monitoring and raids.
During the meeting, Excise Commissioner cum Inspector General of Registration Rajnish Kumar Singh instructed districts to send proposals for action under the Crime Control Act (CCA), conduct drone-based raids, and expedite the arrests of liquor smugglers and consumers.
Emphasis was placed on awareness and monitoring. The Excise Commissioner directed awareness campaigns in areas with incidents of poisonous liquor and special monitoring of illegal liquor sale sites in villages. He clearly stated that Scheduled Castes and the poor should not be harassed. Additionally, immediate action should be taken on complaints and suggestions received during women’s dialogues, and liquor destruction should be completed in all districts within 15 days.
Displeasure was expressed regarding the performance of check post in-charges. The work of check post in-charges like Funkaaha in Araria, Pichulia in Aurangabad, Karmanasa in Kaimur, and Mirza Chowki in Bhagalpur was criticized, and warnings for improvement were issued. Special monitoring was ordered in border districts like Buxar, Gopalganj, and Jamui.
District superintendents were instructed to intensify checking in districts and expedite the seizure of liquor vehicles at check posts. Instructions were also given to grant leave to check post in-charges based on adequate manpower. The Excise Commissioner made it clear that no negligence would be tolerated in the action against liquor smuggling.