Abohar becomes hub of illegal liquor distillation ahead of civic body poll

Days before the Municipal Corporation elections in Punjab and Rajasthan, areas along certain canals in Abohar subdivision emerged as key hubs for illegal liquor distillation. Despite numerous joint raids conducted by the Punjab and Rajasthan police, supported by the Excise Departments of both states, most cases were filed against miscreants who still need to be identified.

On Sunday, a special operation was carried out along the banks of the Gang Canal, bordering Rajasthan, where authorities recovered 1.23 lakh litre of raw liquor hidden in tarpaulins, pits, and drums. The illicit liquor was destroyed on-site, and law enforcement seized various equipments used in the distillation process, including drum pipes and cans.

Officials stated that this large haul prevented a significant shipment of illegal liquor from entering circulation ahead of the upcoming elections. They urged the public to report those involved in the illegal liquor trade to curb the activities of bootleggers and smugglers. Authorities also cautioned against consuming homemade liquor, emphasising the health risks, as hundreds had died across different states from consuming illicit alcohol.

Meanwhile, in October, the Excise Department conducted a raid along the Chanankhera Canal and seized 15,000 litre of raw liquor.

In August, the department recovered 25,000 litres of illicit liquor near a canal in Chanankhera and Ghattianwali villages.