Haridwar's Illicit Liquor Nexus Busted: Major Operation Halted

The Excise Department dismantled an illegal liquor distillery in Haridwar after a surprise raid. Led by Excise Commissioner HC Semwal, the team found that a distillery was producing counterfeit liquor. Authorities issued stern warnings about punitive actions to deter future illegal operations in the area.

The Excise Department has successfully dismantled a significant illegal liquor distillery operation in Haridwar, following an unanticipated raid initiated by confidential intelligence. The swift operation was spearheaded by Excise Commissioner HC Semwal, who assembled a special inspection team to target these unlawful practices.

On December 30, 2024, the inspection team, under the leadership of Deputy Excise Commissioner Prabhashankar Damshr, executed a surprise raid on a foreign liquor distillery situated in the Shetaldhar area of Haridwar district. It was uncovered that the distillery, allegedly managed by Kadank Kanwal, was functioning without requisite permissions. Further probing exposed the involvement of Jaginder Lingra. The inspection led to the discovery of counterfeit liquor bottles, empty glass bottles, caps, and holograms, indicating the production and packaging of fake liquor, posing a grave risk to public health and breaching excise regulations.

In the aftermath, the Excise Department has issued stringent warnings to all individuals linked to the manufacture and distribution of fake liquor, emphasizing that those engaged in these illegal activities will face severe repercussions. This move aims to safeguard public health and curtail such illicit operations in the future.

(With inputs from agencies.)