Ahead of polls, raids lead to 2.65 lac ltr illicit liquor recovery in Ferozepur

Ahead of polls, raids lead to 2.65 lac ltr illicit liquor recovery in Ferozepur

Ferozepur, February 4, 2022: Working on zero-tolerance policy and as a part of the crackdown on illicit/spurious liquor business ahead of Punjab Assembly polls, the Ferozepur Police in a joint operation the Excise officials more than one lac ltrs ‘lahan’ from the border village Ali Ke in Ferozepur, under the supervision of Narender Bhargava, SSP, Gurinder Singh Sandnu, DC(X), Manvinder Singh SP(D), Omesh Bhandari, AC(X), Gurmit Singh Brar, DSP(H) along with ETO Rajnish Sharma, EI Inderpal Singh, EI PS Virk.

The recovered ‘lahan’ was destroyed on the spot to avoid any misuse.   It is estimated to be 2,65,000 ltrs recovery on Friday, in the enclaves of Satluj River in the surrounding villages Ali Ke, Chakkar Wala Bera.  Also, 60 tarpaulins of big size, 6 iron drums and one boat were also detained.

Such illegal activities are being carried out mostly along the Sutlej villages situated far away from residential areas and there was easy availability of water as well. The villagers don’t have many sources of income and have no choice except to do illicit liquor business as a source of income.  In fact, Alcohol is a potent tool at the hands of the politicians to woo voters not only in the villages but also in the urban areas.

Earlier also, in a joint operation conducted jointly by police and excise officials in the villages touching the Pakistan international border, 1,01,200 ltrs ‘lahan’ and illegal liquor was recovered.

SSP said the extracting of illicit liquor business is going on for the last so many years in the backwaters of  Sutlej River under the cover of booty and sarkanda and this recovered liquor was to reach the people which could impact the election process.  The special operation was launched ahead of Assembly polls, by taking the BSF’s help of boats,   as the illicit liquor could be used to lure voters in the upcoming elections.  We will continue with such raids, in the 70 km belt, to ensure that illicit liquor is not used as a tool to attract voters during elections and take action as per the law.