Chandigarh, May 21:
The Excise department Punjab and Punjab Police has once again tightened the noose on persons involved in smuggling of liquor. In coordinated efforts of Special Operations Group of Excise Department and District Police Fatehgarh sahib, two gangs involved in illegal smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states of Chandigarh and Haryana were busted.
Giving details, a spokesperson informed that a special drive, under the able guidance of Varun Roojam Excise Commissioner, Punjab and Dr. Ravjot Grewal S.S.P. Fatehgarh sahib, has been launched to check illegal smuggling and distribution of liquor into Punjab State from neighbouring states.
In first case, two days back, a SUV no. HR26BX0241 laden with 115 cases (1380 bottles) of illegally smuggled liquor of Hi-Speed brand meant for sale in Chandigarh only was apprehended near khamano in District Fatehgarh sahib for which the accused could not produce any valid documents. One accused Sukhdev singh S/o Harminder singh R/o Village Koom kalan,Dist Ludhiana was arrested on spot.
The accused have confessed to ferrying smuggled liquor from Chandigarh into Punjab State multiple times and used to supply it to the organized bootlegger network in District Fatehgarh sahib and Ludhiana district. The consignment of liquor has been brought from a vend in Chandigarh and was being transported to Fatehgarh sahib and Ludhiana.
In another case a car no. HR15C0852 was apprehended near Sanghol–Khamano area of Fatehgarh sahib district. The car was found loaded with around 101 cases (1212 bottles) of IMFL of three different brands of liquor of different bottling plants of Chandigarh. The liquor found was meant for sale in Chandigarh only. Two accused Deepak @ Deepu S/o Shamsher Singh and Sunil Singh S/o Nafa singh were arrested on spot. In both cases FIRs has been registered at police station Khamano, District Fatehgarh sahib.
Excise Commissioner, Varun Roojam said that the Excise Department has been following zero tolerance policy as far as smuggling of liquor or any illegal activity relating to Excise is concerned and anybody causing loss to state exchequer would not be spared and strict action would be taken as per law.
He said that entire chain of forward and backward linkages leading to disclosure of the main suppliers and recipient of smuggled liquor is being pursued expeditiously. During the investigation if any liquor contractor is found involved in this racket, strict action under law would be initiated against him.
He further reiterated that the department has stepped up the vigil in all districts of state. Special patrolling and nakabandi is being done at the interstate borders and smuggling prone areas. The department of Excise has already started toll free no. 98759 61126 for receiving complaints from aware citizens.
