The Excise Department in Punjab has intensified its operations against the illegal liquor trade and smugglers. Following strict directives from senior officials, departmental teams have taken to the field, conducting continuous raids and inspection drives at the grassroots level. As part of this ongoing initiative, a special team from the department—operating under the supervision of District Excise Officer Raman Bhagat (Amritsar-3)—carried out an intensive inspection drive to ensure the maintenance of law and order and strict adherence to regulations within the area.
Following strategic consultations with the Police Department, the Excise team conducted a surprise raid on a “Model Shop” located near India Gate on Attari Road. This swift action created a stir among liquor traders in the vicinity. In the presence of Assistant Excise Officer Raman Sharma, the team conducted a thorough inspection of the liquor stock stored inside the shop. Additionally, the shop’s official stock registers were cross-verified to ensure that no illegal or unrecorded liquor was being sold. According to officials, strict legal action will be initiated against anyone found to be in violation of the regulations.
**Discussion Held on the Activities of Active Liquor Smugglers**
Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer (AETO) Raman Kumar Sharma, who is spearheading this campaign, visited the Chheharta Police Station along with the Excise Police staff. During this visit, he held a crucial meeting with the Station House Officer (SHO) of Gharinda. The meeting focused primarily on the list of active liquor smugglers (bootleggers) operating in the region and their illicit activities. Assistant Excise Officer Raman Sharma stated that the Police and the Excise Department are working in close coordination to completely curb the smuggling and sale of illegal liquor in the area. He issued a stern warning that no anti-social elements would be spared, and the rule of law would be strictly enforced throughout the region.
**Empty Bottles Destroyed**
As part of this same campaign, another significant operation was witnessed near the Khandwala Chungi on Attari Road. According to the regulations of the Excise Department, it is mandatory to destroy empty bottles to curb the illicit practice of refilling liquor. Acting under this very rule, AETO Raman Kumar, in his personal presence, oversaw the complete destruction (breaking) of a large number of empty liquor bottles on the spot at the (L-5D) and Khandwala-Attari Road *ahata* (drinking enclosure). The inspection drive is set to be further intensified.
Dilbagh Singh Cheema, Assistant Excise Commissioner (Amritsar Range), and Raman Bhagat, District Excise Officer, have clarified that this inspection drive will be further intensified in the coming days. A zero-tolerance policy is being strictly enforced against contractors and liquor smugglers who violate the regulations.
