Patna: Despite the state’s liquor ban, the Bihar government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal liquor smuggling. In a significant escalation of efforts, authorities will fast-track hearings of major smuggling cases and seize the assets of those involved in the illicit trade. Both the Bihar Police and the Excise, Prohibition, and Registration Department have begun collaborating to implement these measures.
Fast-Track Hearings and Asset Seizures
To address the growing problem of liquor smuggling, the Bihar government has decided to expedite the judicial process for significant cases. This move aims to ensure swift justice and deter offenders. Alongside the fast-track trials, a new process for seizing the property of those involved in the trade has been set in motion. Authorities are now working across districts to identify high-profile cases and key players in the smuggling network.
Dedicated Monitoring Team Established
To oversee the enforcement of the liquor prohibition policy, the Excise Department has formed a dedicated monitoring team. Led by Krishna Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Excise, Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Excise, and Aditya Kumar, Special Superintendent of Excise, the team will track major prohibition cases and coordinate with the Bihar Police’s Excise Unit to curb smuggling. The officers will also provide technical assistance to ensure the smooth operation of the crackdown.
Review of Prohibition Efforts
The department has also initiated a division-wise review of cases linked to liquor prohibition, involving senior officers from both the Excise Department and the Bihar Police. These meetings are designed to assess the progress of ongoing investigations, discuss strategies for combating smuggling, and evaluate the effectiveness of current campaigns.
Major Smuggling Busts
In a recent operation, police intercepted a liquor smuggling attempt in Sandalpur village, Bahadurpur police station. Acting on a tip-off, officers seized 4.5 liters of English liquor and arrested one individual, who is currently under interrogation.
In a larger bust, police uncovered 4,500 liters of concealed English liquor in a truck transporting potatoes. The truck, travelling from Ludhiana to Muzaffarpur, was stopped by a joint team from the Rupaspur police and the Excise Department near the RPS Mod petrol pump. Upon inspection, officers found the liquor hidden inside potato sacks, packed in cartons. Although the smugglers fled upon spotting the police, the truck driver, identified as Ramesh Kumar from Badmed, was arrested.
Ongoing Investigation
Further inquiries are underway, with ASP Bhanu Pratap Singh confirming that the authorities are working to trace the origin of the shipment and its intended destination. Police are also searching for other members of the smuggling network involved in the operation.
