Sirmour
The State Taxes and Excise Department raided illegal liquor manufacturing units (Bhatti) today in the dense forests of Toka Nagla near Paonta Sahib in district Sirmaur. Acting swiftly on an input, a specialized team, led by Sandeep Attri, Assistant Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise, conducted an intensive search operation by entering 5 to 6 kilometers inside the dense forest area. During the operation, the team caught three illegal manufacturing units located on the banks of the river in dense forest.
Approximately 14,500 liters of illegal lahan was destroyed on the spot as per provisions of Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011. The estimated value of destroyed lahan was Rs. 4,35,000.
Commissioner State Taxes and Excise, Dr. Yunus informed that such action against illegal liquor was being taken across the state as per the instructions issued from time to time by the State Headquarters in order to curb the illegal sale of liquor.
He further stated that the department has also seized 115 boxes of English liquor and beer in Mandi district which were meant for sale in Chandigarh.
The Commissioner said that the department has formed 24 mobile teams in the state to curb the production, sale and purchase of illegal liquor so that the policy of zero tolerance can be ensured in cases of illegal liquor and tax evasion. He also informed that the departmental teams have seized 1,08,698 liters of illicit liquor/lahan in 309 cases so far in the ongoing fiscal.
The Commissioner appealed to the citizens to immediately share the information on toll free number 1800-180-8060 and WhatsApp number 94183-31426 as soon as cases of illegal liquor and tax evasion come to their notice.
