In a decisive move underscoring Uttar Pradesh’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the state government has suspended the District Excise Officer of Gautam Buddh Nagar. The action comes in the wake of serious allegations of overcharging in liquor licensing and sales, a persistent issue plaguing the excise department.
Sources within the administration reveal that complaints had been mounting for weeks regarding inflated rates and irregularities in the distribution of liquor permits. The officer in question was accused of demanding exorbitant fees far beyond the official rates, allegedly pocketing the difference. This led to widespread resentment among license applicants and small vendors who felt squeezed by the corrupt practices.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration has repeatedly emphasized cracking down on such malpractices. The suspension order was issued swiftly after a preliminary inquiry confirmed the charges. Officials stated that a full investigation is underway, with potential for further disciplinary action or criminal proceedings if evidence warrants it.
This incident highlights the challenges in regulating the lucrative liquor trade in UP, where annual revenues run into thousands of crores. Over the past year, similar cases have led to over a dozen suspensions across districts, signaling a broader cleanup drive. Industry watchers believe this will restore some faith among legitimate businessmen, though they call for systemic reforms to prevent recurrence.
As the probe deepens, all eyes are on whether this will expose a larger network or remain an isolated case. For now, the suspension serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law in Adityanath’s UP.