Shaurya Sharma
Fatehgarh Sahib. May.16, 2020: The rampant open illegal sale of liquor in towns of Fatehgarh Sahib the historical district especially during lock down period is not only causing huge loss to the government exchequer, but has also demoralized the wine contractors, who are considered to be the back bone of the State economy as they deposit crores of rupees as excise fee. Contractors are dismayed at the present scenario and said the trade has lost its glory and now they are being seen as smugglers and adulterators due to the entry of anti social elements who are openly selling smuggled liquor at door steps on cheaper rates.
Sources told that MLA Kuljit Singh Nagra also holds a meeting with higher police officials in this regad and the police sources confirmed and said multiple issues were discussed related to law and order.
The contractors while talking to Babushahi.com on the condition of anonymity told that illegal open sale of liquor are not possible without the connivance of the officials. They said that their business had already been suffering due to closer of shops during lock down and the illegal sale of liquor has further affected it as there is only 25% customers’ rest gets the liquor at their door steps being delivered by smugglers and they are not in a position to deposit the excise fee of the quarter. They said neither the excise inspectors comes out for raids nor the higher excise officials bother to curb this menace by conducting raids as none of them resides here. The police is also silent spectator to all this. They demanded that the illegal delivery by distilleries and illegal sale of liquor should be stopped immediately to save the trade.
When contacted Sunita Batra Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner she said that she had joined during lock down period and will take a meeting of district excise officoials and will ensure that there is no illegal sale of liquor. ETO Excise Tejinder Kumar said that he has 20 circles under him none of the contractor has told him about illegal sale of liquor, he said you just give me information I will conduct the raid. If anyone will bring to our notice only then we will take action. He refuted the allegation of connivance.
SSP Amneet Kondal said that strict instructions have been given to the SHOs to take strict action against the illegal liquor sellers. She said if the contractors give any specific information the immediate action will be initiated.