The Excise Department in Balodabazar has reported a major success in its campaign against illegal liquor, seizing 135 bulk liters of non-duty paid Desi Masala liquor and a vehicle. The operation was conducted in accordance with the state government’s directives to curb the illicit alcohol trade. Acting on specific information, officials stopped and searched a white i-20 vehicle on the Chourenga to Darchura road. During the search, 750 pouches of Desi Masala liquor were discovered, totaling 135 bulk liters. Two individuals, Monu alias Girit Verma from Chourenga village, Simga, and Rakesh Kumar Sen, were apprehended. The liquor was stored in 11 plastic bags and one blue bag. The suspects were arrested in the presence of witnesses. The estimated market value of the seized liquor is ₹75,000, while the i-20 vehicle is valued at ₹5 lakh. Legal action has been initiated against the accused under sections 34(2), 59(k), and 36 of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915. Key personnel involved in the operation included Assistant District Excise Officer Jalesh Kumar Singh, Excise Sub-Inspectors Manrakhan Netam and Dinesh Kumar Sahu, Excise Head Constable Radha Giri Goswami, and City Soldier Rajkumari Paikra. The District Excise Officer affirmed the department’s commitment to maintaining the crackdown on illegal alcohol.
