Una, 25 May- In view of free and fair elections in Himachal, the State Tax and Excise Department is working with full vigilance to prevent any kind of illegal activity. The department has conducted large-scale raids against illegal liquor and precious metals in the border districts of Sirmaur, Solan's Baddi, Bilaspur, Kangra and Chamba. This information was given by State Tax and Excise Commissioner Dr. Yunus while addressing a press conference at Una district headquarters on Saturday.
More than 7 lakh liters of illegal liquor caught in the state
Dr. Yunus said that after the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in view of the elections in Himachal, till now more than 7 lakh bulk liters of illicit liquor has been seized in the entire state and more than 28 FIRs have been registered. Police is busy investigating the registered FIR so that the culprits can be punished as soon as possible. The value of bulk liquor seized in the state is around Rs 10.5 to 11 crore. He told that last day the Excise Department team, during raids at 8 different places in Indora area of ??Noorpur, seized one lakh 23 thousand liters of Lahan in bulk and destroyed it and FIR has been registered against the culprits.
Dr. Yunus said that during the elections, e-way bills worth Rs 1 lakh 61 thousand have been checked while tightening the noose on the precious metal businessmen. During checking, a penalty of Rs 62 lakh was imposed.
He said that the department has formed 59 flying squads and 22 static squads and in coordination with the excise officials and police of all the districts in the state as well as the border states, action is being taken against the people involved in illegal liquor trade and illegal activities. The mobile teams of the department are working continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dr. Yunus said that in the last 6 days in Una district, the Excise Department team has taken action and recovered illegal liquor from illegal liquor shops and restaurants. Action is being taken against the culprits under the Excise Act. The team of the local Excise Department has seized approximately one lakh 62 thousand bulk liters of illicit liquor worth Rs 3,09,69,042.
He said that zero tolerance policy has been adopted in cases of illegal liquor and tax evasion in the entire state and such business will not be allowed to flourish.