The Bihar government’s Department of Excise, Prohibition, and Registration is escalating its efforts to combat liquor smuggling and illegal sales across the state. A weekly review meeting, chaired by Secretary Ajay Yadav on Tuesday, brought together district superintendents and check post in-charges to discuss and implement stricter measures.
The meeting underscored a commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against liquor smuggling, mandating increased surveillance and raid operations. Excise Commissioner Rajnish Kumar Singh instructed districts to utilize the Crime Control Act (CCA) to take action, deploy drone technology for surveillance and raids, and accelerate the process of arresting those involved in liquor smuggling and consumption.
A key focus of the meeting was on raising public awareness and strengthening monitoring efforts. The Excise Commissioner ordered the launch of awareness campaigns in areas where incidents of poisonous liquor have occurred. The meeting also emphasized the need for special monitoring of illegal liquor sales in villages, with a strong emphasis on preventing harassment of Scheduled Castes and the poor. Swift action was also mandated on complaints and suggestions received during women’s dialogues, and a directive was issued to complete liquor destruction within 15 days across all districts.
The performance of several check post in-charges was criticized, including those at Funkaaha, Pichulia, Karmanasa, and Mirza Chowki. Warnings for improvements were issued. Enhanced monitoring was ordered in bordering districts like Buxar, Gopalganj, and Jamui.
District superintendents were told to intensify checking activities throughout their districts, and accelerate the seizure of vehicles transporting liquor at check posts. It was also decided that check post in-charges should be granted leave based on sufficient manpower. The Excise Commissioner stressed that any laxity in tackling liquor smuggling would not be tolerated.