3 days Ago By Debabrata Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar: Excise department seized duplicate Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) worth over Rs 40 lakh from a govt-licensed shop in Baramunda here on Monday. While the liquor shop has been sealed, a criminal case was registered against the owner. It is the first instance of duplicate liquor being discovered in a licensed shop in Bhubaneswar, raising concerns among customers who have previously relied on these units to get genuine products.
The seizure came in the wake of a recent hooch tragedy in Ganjam, which claimed the lives of five people, and frequent uncovering of illicit liquor dens across the state. “We acted on a tip-off and raided the govt-licensed shop. Duplicate liquor was seized.
Packing materials, labels of different brands and holograms were also found in the shop. License of the shop would be suspended,” said state excise commissioner Narasingha Bhol. Excise department seized some samples for testing.
Later, a bulldozer was hired and the seized bottles were destroyed. Officials suspect that the shop owner, who belongs to Jharkhand, and staff allegedly uncapped the original bottles and replaced the liquor with cheap as well as spurious ingredients. They slapped new labels and caps, sealed and sold them to unsuspecting customers.
Alarmed by the seizure, the excise department said a detailed advisory would soon be issued to customers to identify fake liquor. The department also sought information from people if they suspect the sale of fake liquor in certain shops. “We will raid all licensed shops and bars.
We have asked our field officers to collect intelligence about possible manufacturing and sale of duplicate liquor in their areas,” Bhol said. Liquor buyers demanded a foolproof mechanism to inspect the quality of the products. “We have no scope to check a bottle’s genuineness while purchasing liquor during rush hours from a counter.
At times, staffers of liquor stores charge more than the printed price. When we ask for bills, they scare us away.,” said a customer.
We also published the following articles recently Stalin could close all liquor shops in a day: Muthusamy Minister S Muthusamy revealed that CM M K Stalin has the power to shut down all liquor shops in Tamil Nadu instantly, though this would have immediate repercussions. The government intends to phase in total prohibition gradually. No decrease in Tasmac outlets is expected before the VCK's anti-liquor conference.
Chief minister M K Stalin could close all liquor shops in a day: S Muthusamy Minister S Muthusamy mentioned that CM M K Stalin has the power to shut down all liquor shops instantly if desired. The government plans to implement total prohibition gradually without reducing Tasmac outlets immediately. Decisions will depend on current conditions.
The minister also inaugurated five new buses at Erode central bus stand. Youth shows interest in liquor business The Andhra Pradesh government will auction retail liquor outlets starting October 1, attracting young entrepreneurs and software engineers. This move follows the previous government's unsuccessful attempt at direct management.
Fierce competition is expected as old liquor syndicates also prepare to bid for shops across the state..
