Govt orders statewide crack-down on hooch, conniving officers

Following the death of 102 persons in the Malwani hooch tragedy in the city last week, Maharashtra government has asked the police to undertake a massive state-wide drive against illicit liquor, and suspend the local police officers if they were found complicit.
The home department issued a circular in this regard to the police commissioners, superintendents of police and the supervising senior officers yesterday.
"Consumption of illicit liquor has caused death of more than 100 persons. There are more who are critical. Such a tragic event cannot take place without the connivance of the local excise and police officers," it said.

"You are directed to take up a massive drive in your jurisdiction to unearth such clandestine illicit liquor brewing spots and sale of the same. If you find the slightest evidence of connivance of police officers/employees, take immediate strict action including suspension by following procedure laid down by the law," it said.
Action should be taken notwithstanding the officer's seniority, it said.
The home department also said that police should brief the media "at frequent intervals" about action against the hooch trade so that "government intentions are made absolutely clear to all the concerned".