Sale of illegal liquor rising in capital: Excise official

NEW DELHI: Sale of illegal liquor in the capital seems to be on rise with excise officials claiming to report 62 per cent increase in the recovery of illicit booze last week compared to the corresponding period last year.
    
A senior official from Excise Department said here that illegal booze is being brought from Haryana as the state borders the city from the north, west and southern parts of the city.
    
"The drive launched last one week till December 27, reported 62 per cent increase in recovery of illegal liquor compared to the corresponding period last year," he said.
    
So far excise department sleuths have rounded up 33 persons in connection with bootlegging, seized nine vehicles, recovered 4,943 bottles of IMFL and country liquor.  Out of the total liquor seized, 97 per cent of it has been brought from Haryana.
    
All the persons arrested in connection with bootlegging along with the seized items have been handed over to various police stations, he said.
    
The official added that special teams have been constituted to keep a vigil on New Years Eve at all unlicensed premises such as farmhouses, restaurants and banquet halls.
    
"Legal action would be taken against those found serving liquor illegally at unlicensed premises," the official added.
    
Vigilance on persons involved in bootlegging and suppliers has been stepped up.
    
A control room to register complaints regarding bootlegging and illegal serving of liquor has been set up which will operate round the clock till Monday.