The Excise Department cracked down on illegal liquor activities, seizing 6805 litres across various districts like Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Shimla, Kullu, and Baddi, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Excise Commissioner Yunus stated that since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect, 59 teams constituted by the department were actively working to seize those engaged in illegal liquor trade, both within the state and along the border areas.
He said that in Chamba district alone, the departmental team has confiscated 2550 litres of liquor from like Kuddi and Tarela areas in the Teesa region and destroyed it under the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011. Additionally, 3300 litres of Lahan was found and disposed of in Kuthla, Dumas and Jhannas, whereas the team of revenue district Noorpur, has confiscated and destroyed 1500 litres of Lahan in Purana Gangath area. Furthermore, in Hamirpur district, a search operation was conducted in which 86 boxes (1032 bottles) of liquor was recovered without proper documentation, and a FIR was filed under the State Excise Act, 2011.
Similar actions were taken by teams in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu districts, confiscating 515, 191, and 141 litres of illicit liquor respectively during the week. Previously the team of Sirmaur seized and destroyed approximately 16,000 liters of Lahan in the Toka khara forest near Paonta Saheb.
The Excise Commissioner emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in Himachal Pradesh. He pledged to continue vigilance and strict enforcement against illegal liquor activities in and around the State. He also urged the Citizens to report any such activities through designated channels including the toll-free number 18001808062, landline No-0177-2620426, Whatsapp at 94183-31426, or by sending an E-mail to controlroomhq@gmail.com. This will ensure swift and strict action against those engaged in illegal activities.
