Liquor bottled found during razing drive in Haridwar

Haridwar: Over 100 liquor bottles were recovered from a hut during an anti-encroachment drive in Rodibelwala area near Har-ki-Pauri on Tuesday. The Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) bottles were found in a large trunk inside the structure, which was demolished. No one has come forward to claim ownership, officials said.

SHO KS Rana said a case has been registered under the Excise Act against an unknown person. “Action is taken against liquor smugglers from time to time. They often use illegal settlements to evade raids,” he said.

In a similar drive conducted recently, liquor was recovered from Rishikul Ground, where Char Dham registration is held annually.

Residents alleged that liquor continues to be sold illegally in parts of the city despite a ban, including in areas around Har-ki-Pauri. Teerth purohit Ujjawal Pandit said such activities affect the sanctity of the holy city and called for strict action.

Sanitation inspector Shrikant Chaudhary said, “We found the trunk during the drive and informed police immediately.”