Focus on 8 districts as cops target liquor smugglers

JAIPUR: After the Election Commission directed authorities in Rajasthan to tighten vigil over the illegal liquor trade routes, the state police have initiated a rigorous operation for cordoning, checking, and searches at all inter-state borders, with particular attention to the Rajasthan-Haryana border.

Additional DGP (Crime) Dinesh MN stated that there is a special police focus on eight districts serving as entry and exit routes for illegal liquor. Special checks and searches are being conducted in Alwar, Churu, Hanumangarh, which serve as entry points for smugglers transporting liquor, and Udaipur, Dungarpur, Jalore, and Sirohi, which act as exit points for the smugglers.

These eight districts and other cities along this route are under constant surveillance by the Rajasthan police to dismantle the illegal liquor trade, according to the official. The bootlegging tends to proliferate during the polling season, increasing the smuggling of liquor from Haryana into Rajasthan using various tactics.

“Over the past three decades, several smuggling networks have emerged, and gangsters like Anandpal Singh initially developed from the illegal liquor trade, eventually evolving into well-established criminal syndicates,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.

Officials stated that liquor smuggling has increased due to the growth of infrastructure and the allure of easy money, which has prompted many young and restless youths to join the trade.

Officials have also decided to deploy additional police personnel at major highways and increase patrolling.

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Expect liquor prices to stabilise: impact of GST council decisions

The GST council in India has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on molasses, a key ingredient in the production of hard liquors. The council has also transferred control of taxation on extra neutral alcohol (ENA), the main component of liquors, to the states. This move is expected to prevent any increases in liquor prices, benefiting both the industry and consumers. ENA is a highly concentrated ethanol used in the production of alcoholic beverages, as well as pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The reduction in GST on molasses will also benefit the cattle feed industry.