Excise Department Cracks Down on Illegal Liquor in Indore District
Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The State Excise Department has intensified its efforts against the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of illegal liquor in Indore district. The officials released shocking figures highlighting the actions taken in September 2025 and reported two major operations on October 1 and 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, which was observed as a dry day.
September Operations and Seizures
The Assistant Excise Commissioner stated that in September, a total of 847 cases were registered. During this period, authorities seized approximately 966 litres of country liquor, 2,962 litres of spirit, 2,707 litres of beer, and 2,416 litres of hand-made liquor. Additionally, about 9,031 kilograms of Mahua Lahan (raw material) were destroyed, and 87 kilograms of bhang were confiscated.
In terms of transportation, 19 vehicles— including two four-wheelers—were seized. The total market value of the confiscated liquor and vehicles stood at around Rs 83.80 lakh, marking a significant blow to illegal liquor trade in the area.
Special Drive on Dry Day (Gandhi Jayanti)
To curb illegal activities on the dry day, special teams were formed under the leadership of Excise Controller Devesh Chaturvedi, Deputy Controller Manoj Agrawal, and Assistant District Excise Officers (ADEOs). Their mission was to apprehend those involved in supplying or manufacturing liquor unlawfully.
On Gandhi Jayanti, Circle In-Charge Meera Singh and her team acted promptly on a tip-off in Prajapat Nagar, where they seized a two-wheeler carrying foreign liquor illegally. The accused individuals, Jatin and his associate Krishna, were arrested, and five cases were registered under relevant sections of the MP Excise Act. The seized liquor and vehicle were valued at approximately Rs 1.06 lakh. The team also confiscated a bike during the operation.
A day prior to the dry day, another team led by ADEO Anil Mathur along with Sub-Inspector Bhagwandas Aharwar intercepted a scooter during patrol. Around 100 pouches of country liquor stored on the vehicle were seized and the accused, Vinod, was arrested on the spot. The combined value of the liquor and vehicle was estimated at Rs 72,500.
October 2nd Seizures and Arrests
On October 2 alone, the Excise Department registered 32 cases and arrested 30 individuals involved in illegal liquor activities. The seizures included about 10 litres of hand-made liquor, 63.2 litres of country liquor, and 25.3 litres of foreign liquor/beer. Additionally, one three-wheeler vehicle was confiscated. The total value of the seized liquor was Rs 67,725, and the vehicle was valued around Rs 80,000.
Zero Tolerance Policy
The Excise Department has made it unequivocally clear that it will maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards illegal liquor in Indore district. Officials have warned that strict actions and vigilant operations will continue in the coming days to curb the illegal liquor trade and ensure compliance with the law.
Story by Staff Reporter
