8 arrested for illicit distillation in Jammu

The sleuths of Excise department conducted several raids across Jammu region, in which 8 persons were arrested for allegedly possessing 1,250 kgs of illicit liquor that were destroyed on the spot.
The Excise sleuths conducted series of raids in various district of Jammu Division to check the menace of illicit distillation of liquor and arrested 8 people, besides destroying 1,250 kgs of illicit liquor, Excise department spokesman said.
The raids were conducted on the direction of the J&K Minister for Finance Haseeb Drabu, J&K Excise Commissioner T Angchuk and under the supervision of Deputy Excise Commissioner.
In Kathua district, one Devinder Kumar was arrested in connection with illicit distillation of liquor and 700 kg illicit liquor was recovered from his possession. The liquor was destroyed on the spot by the Excise sleuths, he said.

In District Udhampur, one Ashri Devi was arrested and 70 kg of illicit liquor was recovered from her possession which was also destroyed on the spot by the Excise Sleuths, he said.
The Eradication and Enforcement wing of the Excise and Taxation Department, Jammu, also conducted raids in Jammu and Kathua districts, and arrested four persons in connection with illicit liquor distillation, he added.

As many as 380 kg and seven bottles of illicit liquor were recovered from their possession and destroyed on the spot, he added.
Similarly in Kishtwar district, the Excise officers arrested two persons in connection with illicit distillation and recovered 200 kg of lahan (illicit liquor) and two bottles of liquor from their possession, which were also destroyed on spot, he added.

All the arrested persons have been booked under section 48(a) of the J&K Excise Act, 1958 and cases against them shall be lodged in the competent Excise Courts.
The department has initiated multi-pronged strategy to arrest the menace of illicit distillation of liquor, he said, adding that inspection teams have been activated and there shall be no laxity for those who violate the law.