Patna : A Bihar Excise Department officer was caught allegedly smuggling liquor into the state when a security guard stopped his vehicle at an inter-state check post. The incident, which took place on Friday at the Urkusia check post in Jharkhand’s Godda district, escalated into a violent confrontation, with the officer reportedly attacking the guard.
The altercation unfolded as Holi festivities gripped the region, a time when alcohol consumption surges despite Bihar’s strict prohibition laws. Large quantities of liquor continue to be smuggled into the state from neighbouring Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, leading to frequent crackdowns by authorities.
Government Vehicle Stopped at Checkpoint
The latest case came to light when a white Bolero bearing Bihar registration (BR-39 K 3100) was stopped for inspection. Inside the vehicle were three individuals, one of whom identified himself as an officer from Bihar’s Excise Department. The guard on duty refused to let the vehicle pass without a check, which allegedly enraged the officer.
According to eyewitnesses, the officer verbally threatened the guard before physically assaulting him. As the situation escalated, local villagers intervened and surrounded the vehicle, preventing it from leaving. The officer, sensing the rising tension, reportedly fled the scene, leaving the vehicle behind.
Police Investigate Smuggling Allegations
Authorities arrived soon after, with Pathargama police station in-charge Manohar Kumar confirming that the vehicle had been transporting liquor from Jharkhand into Bihar. “The accused excise officials assaulted the check post guard. The vehicle has been seized, and investigations are underway to identify those involved,” he stated.
