Gwalior Excise Forms Raid Teams After Videos Allegedly Show Illegal Country Liquor Sale

Illegal country liquor is reportedly being sold openly across rural areas of Gwalior district, with pouches being sold for just 40 rupees. The issue came to light after two videos showing women selling liquor from the roadside went viral on social media. The videos have triggered action by the Excise Department, which has formed special teams to conduct raids in Dabra, Bhitarwar and other possible locations.

The videos show women sitting on the footpath and selling pouches of raw, locally made liquor in an open manner. The roadside spot appears to have been turned into an illegal liquor shop, with customers allegedly being offered pouches for 40 rupees.

One of the videos is reportedly from Lakshmi Colony in Dabra, while the other is said to have been recorded near Maharajpur Puliya on Itayal Road in Chinor. Both videos were made during the daytime two days ago and were later uploaded on social media.

The videos have brought attention to the alleged open sale of illegal country liquor in the rural parts of the district. After they went viral, the matter reached District Assistant Excise Officer Rajesh Kumar Tiwari. The Excise Department then treated the issue seriously and began taking action against the possible locations linked to the illegal trade.

Special teams have been formed to conduct raids. These teams are currently active in the Dabra and Bhitarwar areas and are carrying out searches at suspected locations. The department has said that continuous action is being taken against people involved in the illegal liquor business.

According to Excise Department officials, the activity is not limited to Dabra and Chinor. Illegal country liquor sellers are also reportedly active from Panihar to Mohana, as well as in Dabra, Bhitarwar and the rural areas along the borders of the city.

Officials said raids are conducted from time to time in these areas. During such action, illegal liquor and material connected with its production or sale are seized. Cases are also registered against the accused, according to the department.

The department has also raised concern that the consumption of illegal country liquor is expected to increase around festivals. On such occasions, illegal liquor sellers are believed to try to distribute large quantities of liquor.

The viral videos have also raised questions about regular monitoring in these areas. If women are sitting on footpaths during the daytime and selling liquor openly, and videos of the activity are being uploaded and circulated on social media, the question is why regular surveillance has not prevented these locations from operating openly.

District Assistant Excise Officer Rajesh Kumar Tiwari said that one of the videos had come to his notice the previous day. He said raids were being conducted at possible locations linked to the liquor mafia after the video came to the department’s attention.

Tiwari said that action is taken from time to time against illegal liquor traders in the rural areas of the district. He added that material is seized during these operations and cases are registered against those involved.