Sivasagar district magistrate Mridul Yadav took decisive action on Saturday. He imposed a complete ban on the storage and sale of degenerated molasses across the district. This measure takes effect immediately.
Targeting the Source of Illegal Brewing
The administrative order specifically targets a product known locally as 'lalee Gur.' This substance is officially meant only for cattle feed. Authorities believe it is being widely misused to brew illegal country liquor called 'sulai.'
"It has been made to appear to me that the sale of degenerated molasses, generally called 'lalee,' is being widely used to prepare country liquor at certain places in this district," Yadav stated in the official order. He emphasized that this leads to the sale of spurious liquor which directly affects public health.
Legal Framework and Duration
The prohibitory order was issued under Section 163 of the BNSS 2023. It will remain in force for a period of 60 days. The district magistrate stressed that urgent preventive measures were absolutely necessary.
Yadav warned that the sale of such spurious liquors could lead to widespread disturbance. It threatens public health, peace, and overall tranquility in Sivasagar district.
Strict Conditions for Legitimate Use
Under the new regulations, any person wishing to purchase degenerated molasses for legitimate cattle feed purposes must obtain prior permission. This permission must come from the district magistrate, the additional district magistrate, or the veterinary department of Sivasagar.
Violation of this order will attract punishment under Section 223 of the BNS. The administration is clearly aiming to control the supply chain tightly.
Recent Police Action and Broader Context
This administrative ban follows aggressive police enforcement against illegal liquor operations. Sivasagar police recently conducted extensive raids across the district.
Their efforts resulted in the dismantling of 24 illicit country liquor dens. Police seized over 4,000 litres of 'sulai,' which is a locally brewed rectified spirit. They also confiscated manufacturing equipment and hundreds of kilograms of 'lalee gur' used in the fermentation process.
The current ban on molasses represents a strategic move. It aims to choke off the supply chain of illegal liquor production right at its source. This administrative action complements ongoing police enforcement efforts.
Severe Public Health Risks
Illicit country liquor, particularly Sulai brewed from fermented molasses, poses severe dangers. Illegal brewers frequently adulterate the spirit with toxic substances to increase potency or volume.
These adulterants can include methanol, which is extremely dangerous. Even minimal quantities of methanol can cause blindness, organ failure, and death.
The tragic 2019 Assam hooch tragedy demonstrated these deadly consequences starkly. That incident claimed at least 158 lives, primarily among tea garden labourers in neighbouring Jorhat and Golaghat districts.
Investigations into that tragedy revealed a horrifying reality. Victims had consumed liquor laced with methanol, liquid jaggery, and even dry cell batteries.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
The affordability of illicit Sulai compared to licensed alcohol makes it especially attractive to certain groups. Daily wage earners and tea garden labourers often turn to it despite knowing the potentially fatal health risks.
The new ban aims to protect these economically vulnerable populations. It targets unscrupulous bootleggers who prey on their limited financial resources.
The district magistrate passed this ex-parte order considering the exigencies of the situation. Officials identified an immediate threat to public health and safety in Sivasagar district, requiring swift intervention.
