Excise officials seize illegal liquor worth Rs 30.5 lakh since January

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections drawing near, the state excise department has tightened its vigil in curbing the illegal distribution of liquor in the state. The department has, since January, seized illicit liquor worth Rs 30.59 lakh, a 213 per cent increase from January 2016, when excise officials seized illicit liquor worth 7.5 lakh.

"During the election period, there is usually an increase in the distribution of illicit liquor. We have kept a strict vigil on all entry points for Mumbai, including waterways, said State Excise Commissioner, V Radha. "A majority of the illicit liquor is sent from Diu and Daman to Palghar and Nashik. It then enters Mumbai. Illicit liquor also comes in from Thane, Raigad and Borivli forest. We have teams checking all points," she added.

A total of 176 cases of illegal liquor handling have been registered and 169 people booked in Mumbai suburbs from the period between January 1 and February 16. The excise department has appointed 10 squads for night patrolling at sensitive spots, an excise official said.

"As it is election time, illicit liquor handling cases have increased. We are working with the police, railways, RTO and forest officials to crack down on illegal liquor distribution," the official said.

"A number of politicians organise parties where liquor is distributed, but we are unable to highlight specific cases," the officer added on the condition of anonymity.