On Wednesday, a prohibition awareness camp was organised in the area by the administration.
The recovery of a huge stash of illicit country liquor — more than 1 lakh litres — over the last three days on the outskirts of Bihar's state capital has put a question mark on the total prohibition imposed in the state, besides throwing the administration into a tizzy.
The liquor racket operating in Govindpur Musahari, a Mahadalit tola (hamlet) in Phulwarisharif, right under the nose of the state government, came to light on Sunday when a 20-year-old student, Chandan Kumar, was allegedly murdered by the liquor mafia, purportedly for resisting them and blowing the whistle on their activities.
Enraged over Chandan's murder, the residents went on a rampage and blocked roads for nearly eight hours, forcing top officials to take note of the matter. Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Manu Maharaaj suspended Phuwarisharif station house office Mustafa Kamal Kaiser, the same evening, and massive raids were carried out to nab the culprits.
The crackdown led the police to illegal breweries in almost every home in Govindpur Musahari. "The breweries have been destroyed. Over one lakh litres of desi liquor, mostly made from 'mahua' (a local flower) was found buried in houses, fields, canals and pits at several places in the area. Liquor manufacturing utensils and raw materials have also been seized and destroyed on a large scale in the last three days," a police officer told DNA.
Illegal breweries have been flourishing in Govindpur Musahari and nearby villages for the last several years and the locals have been accused of shielding the racketeers on many occasions. In July last year, a police team raiding Govindpur Musahari had to run for cover when local residents resorted to stone-pelting to deter the raids, the cop recalls.
On Wednesday, a prohibition awareness camp was organised in the area by the administration.
Grave warning
Patna district magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal warned that anyone involved in illegal liquor trade will be prosecuted under a speedy trial. "A police outpost will be established in the area and CCTV cameras will be installed to keep a close eye on anti-social elements."
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