Pune: State Excise Department Seizes 96 Vehicles, Registers 923 Cases Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Elections
Pune, 6th November 2024: As part of a crackdown leading up to the Assembly elections, the State Excise Department has seized 96 vehicles worth ₹3.00 crore in a month-long operation. A total of 923 cases have been registered, and 843 individuals arrested for their involvement in the illegal sale, manufacture, and transportation of country liquor.
The action was led by special teams formed under the guidance of Commissioner of the State Excise Department Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase, and Assistant Commissioner Prasad Surve, beginning on 1st October. These teams have been targeting illegal liquor operations across Pune district.
Raids were carried out at multiple country liquor manufacturing units. So far, the department has seized vehicles, chemicals, and other raw materials used in the production of illegal liquor, totaling ₹3.00 crore in value.
As part of the crackdown, the accused involved in illegal liquor transportation and production have provided bonds as part of the legal process. Superintendent Charan Singh Rajput of the State Excise Department has urged citizens to report any illegal liquor activities, particularly during the election period.
In light of the upcoming elections, 18 checkpoints have been established across the district to monitor the movement of illicit liquor. Two specific cases have been registered related to the sale of liquor sourced from Goa.
Additionally, all liquor shops in Pune district have been ordered to close from 6 p.m. on 18th November until the voting concludes on 20th November. The shops in Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and other parts of the district will remain shut until the official results are announced. The counting of votes is scheduled for 23rd November.
