Derabassi, May 19- Following the directions of the Excise & Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Commissioner, Excise, Jatindra Jorwal, the Mohali District Excise Team, along with local police led by SHO Sumit Mor, carried out a major area dominance operation in Dera Bassi. Key locations such as Mubarkpur, Village Behra, and Janetpur were targeted.
     Divulging the details,  Ashok Chalotra, Assistant Commissioner (Excise), Ropar Range, said that the objective was to curb illegal activity and spread awareness about the dangers of consuming adulterated liquor. As part of this initiative, a joint awareness drive was conducted, involving direct interaction with the community by Excise and Police officials.
He said that in the wake of a recent tragic incident involving the consumption of spurious liquor, the Excise Department of Mohali has launched an intensified crackdown across the district to dismantle illegal liquor networks and raise public awareness about the serious health risks associated with illicit liquor.
Besides, regular joint operations with the Police Department are being conducted in vulnerable and border-adjacent areas identified through local intelligence inputs. As a result of these intensified efforts, 18 FIRs have been registered so far. All related cases are under active investigation, with Excise and Police teams maintaining a strict vigil in previously affected areas. Three major recoveries have also been made so far, involving the seizure of 220, 17, and 23 cases of liquor meant for sale in Chandigarh.
He added that strict action is being taken against habitual bootleggers and repeat offenders through continuous monitoring and regular raids. Regular and surprise inspections of all L-17 licensees are being conducted to ensure compliance with excise rules and to prevent the misuse of special denatured spirits, with emphasis on accurate record-keeping, lawful usage, and stock verification. 
Inspections are also being carried out at abandoned and conspicuous locations such as empty godowns, unused buildings, factories, rice shellers, brick kilns, and dhabas to detect any illegal storage or bottling of spurious liquor.
Additionally, industrial units and traders dealing in methanol (methyl alcohol) are under close surveillance. Their records and operations are being thoroughly verified to ensure legal compliance and to prevent unauthorized use of such chemicals in the manufacture of illicit liquor.
He said to strengthen public awareness, mobile announcements in Punjabi and the display of banners at licensed liquor vends are being used to highlight the dangers of illicit liquor. These efforts aim to reach vulnerable communities and encourage them to report suspicious activities related to illegal liquor manufacturing or distribution.
The Excise Department urges the public to remain vigilant and avoid consuming liquor from unauthorized sources. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected illegal activities to the authorities immediately. The identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential in all circumstances.