In a drive to check illegal smuggling and distribution of liquor in wake of forthcoming Vidhan Sabha elections in Punjab, a gang involved in illegal smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states of Chandigarh and Haryana was busted.Giving the details, Sh.Naresh Dubey Jt. Excise Commissioner, Punjab informed that Under the guidance of Sh. Rajat Agarwal Excise Commissioner and under supervision of Sh. Naresh Dubey, Joint Commissioner (Excise) and Sh .Rajpal singh Deputy Commissioner (Excise) Patiala Range, and Sh Vivek Sheel Soni S.S.P. Roopnagar , 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, Ropar Excise staff and District Police Roopnagar, a gang involved in illegal smuggling of liquor from neighbouring states of Chandigarh and Haryana was busted. A truck no. PB30K2561 laden with 250 cases (3000 btls) of illegally smuggled liquor of 999 brand meant for sale in Chandigarh was apprehended at Morinda in District Roopnagar for which the accused could not produce any valid documents.
Two accused, Manpreet singh S/O Charan singh R/O Village Kandyal ,Dharamkot,Distt Moga and Prem singh R/O Tarn taran presently residing in Moga were arrested on spot .The accused have confessed to ferrying smuggled liquor from Chandigarh into Punjab multiple times and used to supply it to the organized bootlegger network in District Moga.The consignment of liquor has been brought from a vend in Chandigarh and was being transported to Moga. F.I.R NO 159 dt 30-12-21 u/s 61-1-14,78(2) P.S. Morinda Dist S.A.S. Roopnagar is registered against the accused.Excise Commissioner, Punjab Sh.Rajat Agarwal, said that in view of forthcoming Vidhan Sabha elections 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 nobody would be spared and action would be taken as per law. 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 involved in this racket, strict action under law would be initiated against him. He further reiterated that ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in Punjab,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 and Taxation has already started toll free no.98759 61126 for receiving complaints from aware citizens.