Delhi Excise Policy: Over 1.68 Lakh Litres Of Illicit IMFL Seized During First 8 Months Of Implementation Of Old Policy

Delhi Excise department seized more than 1.68 lakh litres of illicit IMFL and over 3,800 litres of foreign liquor was seized during the first 8 months of the implementation of the Old Excise Policy.

More than 1.68 lakh litres of illicit Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and over 3,800 litres of foreign liquor were seized by the Excise Department of the Delhi government during the first 8 months of the implementation of the old Excise Policy in September 2022. According to PTI, 57,333 litres of country liquor was also seized by the excise team during the same period. A senior department officer while talking to the news agency said that in total, 282 excise cases were registered and 280 individuals were arrested under various offences. 

The official added that more than 100 vehicles were impounded of which many were being used for inter-state smuggling.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government withered its news excise policy 2021-22 last year and a CBI probe was recommended by Lt Governor VK Saxena in the alleged violation of rules and procedural lapses in its implementation.

The policy which was implemented on November 17, 2021, got wrapped up by August 30, 2022. The government returned to the old excise policy that was in operation before November 17, 2021.

As per the official, the enforcement activities will resume as the Excise Intelligence Branch (EIB) of the department has been beefed up with 24 Delhi Police officials joining the unit recently.

Earlier, 39 Delhi Police personnel were repatriated in August 2022 amidst the heated debate over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Excise Policy 2021-22.

After a fresh deputation of Delhi Police personnel, the EIB now stands tall with four sub-inspectors and 10 head constables and constables each, he said, according to PTI.

An additional request for 20-25 more personnel has already been made for an enhanced level of enforcement activities. 

The EIB is usually headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), and the unit keeps a check on interstate smuggling of various kinds of intoxicants and drugs.

Furthermore, it gathers information to identify the manufacturing and sale of illegal drugs, as well as the serving of alcohol at unlicensed locations without a permit. It also collaborates with different Delhi Police units to stop bootlegging.

The emphasis, according to the officials of the Excise department, was to ensure the efficacy of the department's enforcement efforts through the active participation of revenue officials including sub-divisional magistrates and tehsildars, reported PTI.