Golaghat cops destroy two dozen illicit liquor dens, seize 3000 litres of ‘sulai’

Dibrugarh: Police in Golaghat district on Tuesday launched a district-wide crackdown on illegal liquor trade, dismantling more than two dozen illicit country liquor dens and seizing over 3,000 litres of “sulai,” a locally brewed rectified spirit consumed widely in rural areas and tea garden communities.

The operation targeted multiple locations to disrupt the supply chain, with police also confiscating brewing equipment and hundreds of kilograms of “lali gur” (molasses), used in fermentation. Several suspected bootleggers were detained and legal action is being initiated, police said.


Golaghat senior superintendent of police Rajen Singh said teams from four police stations and outposts conducted simultaneous raids across their jurisdictions. Kamarbandha Police Outpost seized and destroyed 1,000 litres of illicit liquor. Barpathar Police Station recovered and destroyed 900 litres from Jorhotia and Borchapori villages. Chumonigaon Police Outpost seized and destroyed 600 litres, while Merapani Police Station destroyed 500 litres. The brewing sites, locally known as “sulai bhattis,” were dismantled at each location.

“Our teams have successfully dismantled the infrastructure of these illegal operations across the district. Several bootleggers were detained and we are now initiating strict legal action against them to ensure these dens do not reappear,” the SSP said.

"Sulai" is a colourless spirit traditionally distilled from molasses or rice, but its unregulated production has been linked to fatal poisoning. Police and public health officials have repeatedly warned that illegal brewers often adulterate the liquor with toxic chemicals to increase potency and profits, while its low price keeps demand high among daily wage earners and tea garden labourers.

The crackdown comes amid lingering concern after the 2019 Assam hooch tragedy, in which at least 158 people—mostly tea garden workers in Golaghat and Jorhat — died after consuming contaminated “sulai”. Forensic findings then detected methanol, liquid jaggery and crushed dry cell batteries in the brew, triggering statewide outrage and intensified enforcement against illicit liquor networks.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !