Heavy flow of non-duty paid liquor in TS

HYDERABAD: Non-duty paid (NDP) liquor is being supplied on a large scale in Telangana state by smugglers who are bringing it from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Goa and other states. The liquor is being transported by different modes, according to officials from the enforcement wing of the excise department.

What makes it profitable is the difference in price of liquor in the state and outside. A bottle of a premier whisky costs Rs 2,300 in other states but Rs 4,600 in Telangana.

On the pretext of marriages and family functions, many people purchase large quantities of such non-duty paid liquor from other states. Treating these liquor parties as ‘sensitive’, prohibition and excise officials are unable to conduct raids. Interestingly, influential persons and politicians are present in such parties.

Seizing the advantage, some local gangs bring NDP liquor from other states, including by road, train or airplane. Bowrampet, Gandi Maisamma, Medchal and other areas are the dens for NDP liquor. The gangs transport the liquor to various districts and villages.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior official from the enforcement wing of the excise department said on condition of anonymity that they keep vigil at the airport.

“We seized NDP liquor in a container at Medchal recently. Earlier, we had faced pressures from political leaders to overlook NDP in functions, but now the state government has directed us to conduct a series of raids. Stringent action will be initiated by those who encourage NDP liquor,” he said.

Meanwhile, prohibition and excise officials in Kamareddy district broke the chain of smugglers, who transported non-duty paid liquor from other states.