Malkajgiri teams seize 346 litres of illegal liquor
MALKAJGIRI: Special Operation Team (SOT) Malkajgiri Commissionerate teams seized 345.99 litres of liquor worth about ₹2.76 lakh and booked 31 cases under the Telangana Excise Act during a two-day special drive against illegal belt shops.
Acting on credible information about the illegal sale of liquor, the teams conducted raids at various locations under police station limits in Uppal, Malkajgiri and LB Nagar zones on August 6 and 7.
During the raids, police found people in possession of and selling liquor without valid authorisation or licences, in violation of the Telangana Excise Act and relevant rules. The respondents were apprehended and the liquor was seized.
18 cases booked on August 6
On August 6, police booked 18 Excise Act cases and apprehended 18 respondents. They seized about 233.20 litres of liquor worth approximately ₹1,81,700.
The cases were registered under the Medipally, Kushaiguda, Ghatkesar, Uppal, Nacharam, Jawahar Nagar, Shamirpet, Keesara, Neredmet, Malkajgiri, Alwal, Nagole, Abdullapurmet, Hayathnagar and Vanasthalipuram police station limits.
13 more cases registered on August 7
On August 7, police booked 13 Excise Act cases and apprehended 13 respondents. About 112.79 litres of liquor worth approximately ₹94,790 was seized.
The cases were registered under the Medipally, Uppal, Pocharam IT Corridor, Cherlapally, Neredmet, Shamirpet, Keesara, Malkajgiri, Jawahar Nagar, LB Nagar, Saroornagar and Chaitanyapuri police station limits.
In all, the two-day drive resulted in 31 Excise Act cases, 31 respondents being apprehended and 345.99 litres of liquor worth approximately ₹2,76,490 being seized.
The apprehended respondents and seized liquor were handed over to the respective police stations for necessary legal action under the relevant provisions of the Telangana Excise Act.
Police appealed to the public not to purchase liquor from unauthorised outlets and to inform the police or Excise authorities about illegal liquor sale or storage in their localities.
Officials said public cooperation was necessary to curb illegal liquor sales, protect government revenue and maintain peace and order.
They also warned that selling liquor to minors without verifying their age could lead to serious offences and endanger children. Sale of liquor to intoxicated persons could also contribute to offences and law-and-order problems.
Officials further pointed to the risk of alcohol-related incidents involving children, late-night crimes, public nuisance and other law-and-order issues, besides the loss of government revenue caused by unauthorised liquor sales.
Police urge cooperation during Bonalu
In view of the Bonalu festival and dry-day restrictions, police appealed to the public to strictly comply with the prohibition on the sale and consumption of liquor during the notified period.
The public was also urged to cooperate with the police and Excise authorities to ensure peaceful and incident-free Bonalu celebrations.
The SOT Malkajgiri Commissionerate said the special drive was part of its ongoing efforts to curb the illegal sale and distribution of liquor through belt shops, prevent unlawful activities, maintain public order and safety, and protect government revenue.
