In an effort to combat liquor smuggling and illicit activities, the Bihar government’s Excise, Prohibition, and Registration Department has announced a series of strict actions. Secretary Ajay Yadav presided over a weekly meeting on Tuesday, involving district superintendents and check post officials, to assess the current situation and strategize further interventions.
During the meeting, the Secretary emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards liquor smuggling, directing intensified monitoring and raid operations. Excise Commissioner Rajnish Kumar Singh urged districts to initiate proceedings under the Crime Control Act (CCA), deploy drone-based surveillance for raids, and accelerate the apprehension of individuals involved in liquor smuggling and consumption.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of public awareness and vigilant surveillance. The Excise Commissioner instructed the implementation of awareness campaigns in regions prone to incidents involving poisonous liquor. Additionally, specific focus was placed on monitoring illegal liquor sales in rural areas, with directives to ensure no harassment of marginalized communities. Furthermore, prompt action was mandated on complaints and suggestions from women’s dialogues, alongside a directive to conclude liquor disposal activities within a 15-day timeframe across all districts.
Concerns were raised regarding the performance of certain check post in-charges. The conduct of officials at key check posts such as Funkaaha, Pichulia, Karmanasa, and Mirza Chowki was criticized, and warnings were issued to improve performance. Enhanced monitoring measures were also ordered for border districts like Buxar, Gopalganj, and Jamui.
District superintendents were instructed to step up district-level inspections and expedite the seizure of liquor-related vehicles at check posts. Furthermore, the Excise Commissioner underscored the need for adequate staffing to facilitate leave for check post in-charges and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating liquor smuggling, warning against any laxity in enforcement.