Bathinda: The smuggling of liquor is witnessing a surge through the porous interstate border between Punjab and Haryana in view of the upcoming panchayat elections in Bathinda, Mansa and Muktsar districts. A liquor contractor has even announced a reward of Rs 300 per liquor box for anyone helping in making seizure of illicit liquor being smuggled from Haryana.
After the announcement of panchayat elections, the police range, compromising the three districts, has witnessed a record seizure of liquor smuggled from Haryana. This month till December 25, the police have recovered 2,264 boxes of liquor against the recovery of 1,490 boxes last month.
As per police record, 14,599 litres of liquor have been seized this month against 6,709 litres recovered last month in Bathinda district. Similarly, 1,388 litres have been seized this month against 825 litres recovered last month in Muktsar district. However,the recovery in Mansa district is little low till date in comparison to the last month.
Harish Kumar, liquor contractor, said “We are facing huge losses as the liquor smuggling from Haryana has witnessed a steep hike in the recent time, due to which we are forced to announce a cash reward of Rs 300 per box to the person who will give information regarding liquor smuggling from Haryana and get it seized. We are also ensuring them that their name and identity would not be disclosed.”
MF Farooqui, IGP, Bathinda range, said “The police are making all efforts to stop the smuggling of liquor from Haryana in the region. Police teams have been deployed and barricading has been laid at various places.”
When asked about the cash reward announced by the liquor contractor, the IGP said he didn’t want to comment on this as this was his wish to give reward or not.
Contractor announces reward
Harish Kumar, a liquor contractor, has announced a reward of Rs 300 per liquor box for anyone helping in making seizure of liquor being smuggled from Haryana. “We are facing huge losses due to liquor smuggling. We will reward the informer and ensure that his identity is not disclosed,” he said.
Stepped up security: IG
MF Farooqui, IGP, said: “We are making all efforts to stop the smuggling of liquor from Haryana. Police deployment has been increased and additional nakas have been laid.”
