BELAGAVI
In a major crackdown with clear implications for neighbouring Goa, the Belagavi district Excise Department has carried out an extensive enforcement drive over the last nine months in the Belagavi and Chikkodi divisions.
As part of this drive, 1,294 cases were registered and illegal liquor along with related materials worth Rs 2.28 crore were seized, mainly from regions that share close links with Goa through highways, tourism movement and liquor smuggling routes.
Addressing a news conference here, Excise Joint Commissioner Fakirappa Chalwadi said that the operations, conducted between April and December, focused strongly on illegal liquor sales in rural and border areas. Of the total cases registered, 783 were from rural pockets, many of which are used as transit points for the illegal movement of liquor from Goa and other neighbouring regions.
To curb illicit distillation and unlawful parties at highway-side dhabas”frequently used by tourists and travellers heading to Goa”special beat teams have been deployed. Chalwadi also announced that the helpline service earlier activated during the election period will be restarted to enable citizens to report violations promptly.
Despite facing a shortage of nearly 30 per cent staff, the Excise Department will enforce strict vigil in the run-up to New Year celebrations, a period that traditionally sees heavy tourist movement towards Goa.
No sales targets have been assigned to liquor vendors, and stringent action will be taken against drunk driving and illegal activities carried out under the pretext of New Year celebrations, Chalwadi warned.
District Excise Officers Jagadish N. K., Ningangouda Patil, Vijay Hiremath, and other senior officials were present at the press conference.
