Patiala Excise Department Launches Major Crackdown on Illicit Liquor Networks
The Excise Department of Patiala district has initiated a rigorous enforcement campaign against organized networks involved in the adulteration, counterfeiting, and cross-border smuggling of liquor. Since April 1, the department has registered three First Information Reports (FIRs), apprehended multiple accused individuals, and confiscated substantial quantities of illicit, spurious, and smuggled alcoholic beverages.
Coordinated Operations Under Senior Leadership
The enforcement actions were executed under the direct supervision and guidance of Jitendra Jorwal, Excise Commissioner of Punjab, and Naresh Dubey, Additional Commissioner (Excise) of Punjab. These operations were preceded by meticulous intelligence gathering and involved coordinated efforts across multiple agencies to ensure effectiveness and precision.
Case 1: Sophisticated Adulteration Unit Busted
In the first significant breakthrough, excise teams, supported by excise police personnel, conducted a raid on a residential property located in Lehal Colony, Patiala. This raid was based on specific intelligence regarding an active adulteration unit operating from the premises.
The accused individuals, identified as Arjun Kumar from Baba Jiwan Singh Nagar, Passi Road, Patiala, and Puneet Kumar from DMW Colony, Patiala, were arrested at the scene.
Investigations revealed that the accused were engaged in a deceptive practice of refilling empty bottles of premium Scotch Whisky brands—specifically Johnnie Walker Black Label, Black Dog Gold Reserve, and 100 Pipers—with IMFL Wazir Deluxe Whisky. This latter brand is authorized for sale exclusively in Chandigarh and lacks a license for distribution within Punjab.
The refilled bottles were then sealed using counterfeit brand cap seals recovered from the location, with the intention of selling them at premium Scotch Whisky prices, thereby defrauding consumers and violating excise regulations.
The seizure from this operation included:
- 34 bottles of IMFL Wazir Deluxe Whisky
- 49 empty Black Label bottles
- 10 empty Black Dog Gold Reserve bottles
- 8 empty 100 Pipers bottles
- Counterfeit cap seals and packaging materials for multiple premium brands
A formal case has been registered at the Civil Lines police station in Patiala under Section 61-1-14 of the Punjab Excise Act, along with Sections 346 and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023.
Case 2: Joint Operation Uncovers Illicit and Counterfeit Liquor
On April 14, a joint operation led to the arrest of Raj Kumar Sethi and the seizure of 150 bottles of liquor. The confiscated items comprised two categories:
- Illegally Introduced Liquor: This included brands such as Royal Challenge (47 bottles), Punjab Mota Santra (24 bottles), Punjab Rano Saunfi (7 bottles), Royal Stag (8 bottles), and Super Himmat Saunf (10 bottles). These products bear Chandigarh territorial authorisation and were illegally brought into the Punjab market.
- Counterfeit Liquor: The seizure also involved 54 bottles of prima facie counterfeit liquor masquerading as Punjab brands, including Royal Stag (38 bottles), Punjab Heer Saunfi (10 bottles), and Punjab Asli Mota Santra (6 bottles).
FIR No. 67 has been registered at PS Kotwali, Patiala, under Section 61-1-14 of the Punjab Excise Act and Sections 61-2, 336, and 338 of the BNS Act, 2023.
Case 3: Interception of Smuggled Consignment from Haryana
On April 10, excise department officials, in collaboration with CIA staff, intercepted a dark grey vehicle transporting 25 cases of liquor. The consignment was labeled under the brand name ‘NV Raseela Santra’ and stated to bear Haryana territorial authorisation.
Upon detailed inspection, authorities discovered that every bottle in the shipment carried an identical Hologram Number. Furthermore, none of the bottles featured a batch number or manufacturing date, which are mandatory requirements under excise regulations. This absence strongly indicates unlicensed manufacture and raises serious concerns about product safety and compliance.
The two accused individuals, Maninder Singh from Bhankhar village, Sanaur, Patiala, and Gurvinder Singh from Kahnaheri village, Sanaur, Patiala, managed to flee the scene and are currently being traced by authorities.
FIR No. 63 has been registered at Sadar Patiala police station under Sections 61 and 78(2) of the Punjab Excise Act. The vehicle involved has been seized, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to unravel the supply network, including its manufacturing source, distribution chain, and end-sale points.
Zero Tolerance Policy and Public Appeal
Department officials have issued a stern statement emphasizing their unwavering commitment to combating excise violations. "The Patiala Excise Department wishes to place on record, with the utmost emphasis, that its zero tolerance policy against excise violations is absolute, unconditional, and admits of no exception. Whether the offence takes the form of adulteration, counterfeiting, cross-border smuggling, unlicensed storage, or sale outside authorised channels—it shall be pursued with the full and uncompromising force of law. No offender shall be spared, no compromise entertained, and no leniency extended on any grounds whatsoever. The Department's enforcement tempo will only intensify in the weeks and months ahead."
Additionally, the department has made a heartfelt appeal to all citizens and liquor consumers in Patiala and surrounding regions to purchase liquor exclusively from authorised Government Excise Vends. They have urged the public to report any instances of illegal storage, manufacture, sale, or transport of liquor immediately to the nearest Excise Office or Police Station.
"All informer identities will be kept in strict confidence and protected under law. The Department counts on the partnership of citizens and the media in this campaign for public health, public safety, and the rule of law," the officials affirmed.
