On Friday, the Excise Department in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) arrested an individual for allegedly possessing illicit liquor worth Rs 1 lakh and trying to sell it to the owner of a hotel and a bar. The accused, identified as Rajeev Vasudev, a native of Arera Colony, was caught with 72 bottles of liquor followed by a tip-off about his presence on Hoshangabad Road.
Upon questioning, Vasudev admitted that he had been buying and selling illicit liquor to operators and owners of bars and hotels, following the closure of ahaatas. The Department continues to investigate the matter further to find out the source of the contraband.
The Excise Department is an integral part of the government. It is responsible for the collection of taxes on alcoholic beverages and it also prevents the sale, manufacture, transportation, and possession of alcoholic beverages in areas subject to legislative control. It plays an important role in managing public health, safety, and the economy.
Rajeev Vasudev is a native of Arera Colony who allegedly possessed and attempted to sell illicit liquor to a hotel and bar owner. He confessed to procuring the liquor for sale to operators in ahaatas, which have been closed due to the pandemic. The Excise Department is now continuing its investigations to uncover the source of the liquor.