In a major drive against the illegal liquor trade ahead of the ongoing Panchayat and Municipal Corporation elections in Himachal Pradesh, police have intensified enforcement operations across several districts and seized large quantities of illicit country-made liquor.
According to police officials, a special campaign was launched on Tuesday in Shimla district to curb the illegal transportation and distribution of liquor during the election period. During the operation, police recovered nearly 120 bottles of country-made liquor from two individuals identified as Paras, aged 24 and a resident of Khillar village, and Narender Dutt, aged 26 and a resident of Rayushti village in the Nerwa area of Shimla district.
Police said that a separate operation conducted in different parts of Shimla district led to the seizure of a total of 305 bottles of illicit liquor, indicating a large-scale attempt to circulate alcohol illegally during the election season.
Following the recoveries, police registered a case under Section 39(1)(a) of the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011, which deals with the illegal production, possession, transportation, import and export of liquor without valid licence or permit. Investigations have been initiated to determine the wider network involved in the illegal trade.
In another incident, police in Sirmaur district recovered 72 bottles of country liquor from the possession of Arun alias Neetu, a 38-year-old resident of Matal village in Rajgarh.
The seizures come at a politically sensitive time as civic body and Panchayat elections are underway in several parts of Himachal Pradesh. During election periods, law enforcement agencies generally remain on high alert as illicit liquor is often distributed among voters in an attempt to influence voting behaviour and gain political advantage.
Election authorities and police officials have repeatedly stated that strict monitoring is being carried out to ensure free and fair elections across the state. Special checkpoints, surprise inspections and surveillance operations have been increased in both rural and urban areas to prevent the misuse of money, liquor and other inducements during campaigning.
Officials believe the latest seizures reflect the administration’s attempt to crack down on illegal practices that could influence the democratic process during the elections.
