Muzaffarpur: The Prohibition, Excise, and Registration Department has suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Soni Mahiwal, posted in Muzaffarpur, with immediate effect following allegations of collusion with illegal liquor traders and a viral audio clip controversy.
Excise Commissioner Rajneesh Kumar Singh issued the suspension order on Wednesday and directed that departmental action be initiated soon by preparing a charge sheet against the officer.
The matter came to light after an audio clip surfaced, in which ASI Soni Mahiwal was allegedly heard threatening and pressuring an individual named Dilip Sah. Upon investigation, the department confirmed the authenticity of the audio and found evidence of the officer’s involvement with a liquor trader.
During the inquiry, ASI Soni Mahiwal admitted that the voice in the viral audio clip was hers. Victim Dilip Sah also confirmed that he had a conversation with the ASI regarding liquor before last year’s Vishwakarma Puja. The investigation report submitted by the Muzaffarpur District Magistrate (DM) also mentioned that Mahiwal used abusive language against a senior officer during the conversation.
Based on the DM’s recommendations, the department proceeded with the suspension of ASI Mahiwal.
Meanwhile, a special drive conducted by various police stations in Muzaffarpur district led to the arrest of 19 individuals in different cases, including seven accused in liquor-related offences.
During the campaign, police seized 13 liters of country-made liquor and approximately one liter of Indian-made foreign liquor. Additionally, 33 court-issued warrants were executed.
As part of a vehicle-checking campaign, authorities also imposed fines totaling ₹1,06,500 for violations of traffic rules.
Senior police officials have stated that special operations are being conducted regularly to apprehend individuals involved in serious crimes, and the recent arrests are part of this ongoing effort.
