Bihar Announces Cash Rewards to Tackle Sand and Liquor Smuggling

PATNA – In response to growing law and order challenges related to sand and liquor smuggling, the Bihar government has introduced a reward system for individuals providing information against illegal sand traders, and criminals. The move aims to address concerns about organized mafias engaging in these illicit businesses.

The State Government, through a letter by Sudhanshu Kumar Choubey, Deputy Secretary, announced cash rewards ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 3 lakh. The identities of the informants will be kept confidential. Different ranks of police officers will have the authority to grant varying amounts as rewards.

The decision follows an earlier directive from the Police Headquarters requesting lists of criminals involved in illegal sand trade from every district. The announcement aims to curb criminal activities and target interstate criminals involved in such operations.

The letter acknowledged a decline in Naxalite incidents but highlighted the challenge of criminals committing offenses in the name of Naxalites and seeking refuge in other states. The reward system is expected to facilitate the apprehension of such criminals.

Furthermore, the directive outlined specific reward amounts for different categories of crimes. A committee, chaired by the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) and including the Additional Director General of Police Operations and ADG of CID, will determine awards up to Rs 1 lakh. The Director General of Police has the authority to grant rewards up to Rs 3 lakh, requiring approval from the Principal Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary Home.

The guidelines empower DIGs and IGs to award up to fifty thousand rupees, while SPs can grant rewards up to Rs 25 thousand, subject to prior permission from the DIG. Immediate implementation of these directives has been instructed by the Deputy Secretary to the Government.