The Rourkela Excise Department busted a racket involved in the illegal storage and sale of Non-Duty Paid Liquor (NDPL) following a raid at Tamada village under Chandiposh Police limits late on Friday night.
At least four persons have been arrested in this connection. The cost of the seized NDPL is said to be worth over Rs 20 lakh.
Jhasaketan Bariha, Deputy Superintendent (Excise), Rourkela said that the raid was conducted after getting information regarding illegal storage of foreign liquor at Tamada village.
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“During the raid, we have seized 1710 litres of non-duty paid foreign liquor which was specifically meant to be sold in Arunachal Pradesh,” said Bariha.
Preliminary investigation reveals that all the four accused had planned to supply the liquor in various dhabas in Rourkela. A car has been seized from their possession.
The accused were illegally procuring such non-duty paid liquor from various sources via Bokaro and Ranchi. The consignment was being smuggled in a various fruit or grocery laden vehicles in a clandestine manner.
“One of the accused, Anil Sahu was earlier arrested in non-duty paid liquor trade and was released on conditional bail. We are planning to register a fresh case against Sahu under 110 of CrPC before Sub-Collector’s court,” said Bariha.
According to Bariha, a special drive was launched against duplicate and non-duty paid liquor in Rourkela city and 2-3 cases were registered last month.
“Due to strict enforcement activities in Rourkela, criminals are carrying out their activities and storing liquor stock in periphery areas illegally. A detailed investigation to ascertain the source of procurement of liquor, route and others involved in such illegal trade will be conducted,” Bariha added.