PANAJI
Goa’s non-duty paid liquor (NDPL) is finding its way into Telangana homes and markets, raising concern among excise authorities there over significant revenue loss. Officials in Telangana have flagged that liquor from Goa -- where taxes are relatively lower -- is being brought across State borders and sold illegally, denting local sales and government earnings.
The investigation by the Prohibition and Excise Department revealed that nearly 90 per cent of such liquor seized in Hyderabad during a special drive from September 17-20 was brought in from Goa by air. The remaining consignments were traced to Delhi and Haryana.
Excise officials said that during a four-day special drive, they seized 1,258 bottles of whisky and wine worth around Rs 69 lakh. Most of these were purchased from liquor outlets at Goa airport, where cheaper prices attract city travellers who return with a dozen bottles each, violating inter-state liquor regulations.
“As liquor shops were opened at Goa airport, those from the city are buying at least a dozen bottles, mostly whisky and wine, and bringing them to the city during the return journey because of less cost. We are seizing these bottles during checks conducted near Pahadisherif outside the airport,” an official said.
Not just at the airport, we have found people, travelling by road, also getting huge liquor stocks from Goa, despite strict vigil at the check posts.
Authorities stressed that liquor manufactured in one State cannot be sold in another without proper duty clearance. However, with shops at Goa’s airport fuelling this inflow, Telangana excise officials have intensified checks outside Hyderabad airport and are registering cases under the Excise Act against violators.
“Liquor that was manufactured in a particular State should not be sold in another States, as per norms. Yet, several people were found to be bringing NDPL to the city in violation of norms. We are registering cases against those bringing NDPL to the city under various provisions of the Excise Act and initiating necessary action,” official said.
The Authorities have decided to further intensify the crackdown ahead of festivities and holiday season.
