Major Pre-Holi Crackdown in Daltonganj Nets 4,000 Litres of Illegal Foreign Liquor
In a significant pre-Holi operation, a joint team of excise department and police personnel conducted a late-night raid in Daltonganj, seizing more than 4,000 litres of illegal foreign liquor and arresting one individual. The crackdown, which took place on Thursday night, targeted illicit activities ahead of the Holi festival, aiming to curb the distribution of unauthorized alcohol.
Details of the Raid and Seizure
Excise superintendent Sujit Kumar provided details on the operation, stating that the seized liquor, valued at approximately Rs 42 lakh, was discovered stored in the house of Santan Bhuiyan and Ramashish Bhuiyan. The residence, located in Basdah village under the jurisdiction of Paton police station, had been converted into an illegal depot for stocking foreign liquor.
Ramashish Bhuiyan was arrested under relevant sections of the Excise Act, while four other suspects remain at large. The consignment included popular whisky brands, highlighting the scale of the bootlegging operation. Authorities revealed that Santan and Ramashish had turned their property into a hub for storing illicit alcohol, with other accused individuals using it as a stockpile.
Broader Crackdown and Previous Seizures
This raid is part of a larger initiative against bootleggers in the region. Palamu deputy commissioner Sameera S has directed the excise superintendent to intensify efforts ahead of Holi, emphasizing the need to prevent illegal liquor sales during the festive season. In a related development, sources indicated that the excise team had previously seized over 18,000 litres of raw spirit on February 14, which is used in the production of illegal liquor, underscoring the ongoing battle against such activities.
The operation reflects the authorities' commitment to enforcing excise laws and ensuring public safety during holidays. With Holi approaching, such measures are crucial to deter illegal trade and protect communities from the risks associated with unregulated alcohol.
