Punjab FM Cheema accuses Chandigarh authorities of ignoring liquor smuggling

Cheema urges Chandigarh to take action against liquor smuggling, highlighting local involvement and revenue losses.

Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has raised serious concerns over Chandigarh becoming a hub for liquor smuggling into Punjab, alleging negligence and inaction by the Chandigarh Excise Department. Cheema claimed that authorities in Chandigarh have repeatedly ignored warnings from Punjab, leading to a surge in illegal liquor trade that is adversely affecting the state’s revenue and public safety.

“Chandigarh has become a breeding ground for liquor smuggling, with alcohol, including hazardous varieties, being illegally transported into Punjab. Despite numerous letters and warnings from the Punjab Excise Department, the Chandigarh administration seems unwilling to take action. The Punjab Excise Department writes to them almost every second month, but their response has been inadequate,” said Cheema while speaking to The Sunday Guardian.

The Punjab Excise Department has revealed that 114 FIRs related to liquor smuggling were registered in the last financial year, compared to 186 cases the year before, all originating from Chandigarh. These cases resulted in the seizure of approximately 4,000 cartons of illicit liquor though officials remain concerned that a significant quantity of smuggled liquor has gone undetected, entering markets across Punjab.

Cheema highlighted that smuggling on such a large scale is not possible without the involvement of local bottling plants and manufacturers in Chandigarh.

“The connivance of local players in Chandigarh is apparent, and this illegal trade is causing financial losses to both Punjab and Chandigarh,” he asserted.

Following the recent arrest of smugglers and the recovery of illegal liquor consignments, the Punjab Excise Department has intensified its operations, particularly in areas bordering Chandigarh. This crackdown includes a focus on key smuggling routes and distilleries.

Cheema also pointed out the seizure of high-end liquor from a distillery in Khasa, Amritsar, as a turning point in the investigations. The state has ramped up its vigilance along the Chandigarh-Punjab border, ensuring that smuggling activities are monitored and curbed effectively.

Punjab Excise Department’s officials acknowledged that such large-scale smuggling cannot occur without local collusion.
“The revenue losses are a shared concern for Punjab and Chandigarh. The bottling plants and distilleries in Chandigarh need to be scrutinised thoroughly,” they said.  

In response to Punjab’s concerns, the Excise Department has sent detailed information about all the cases to Chandigarh authorities, urging them to investigate and identify those responsible for the smuggling. Cheema assured that Punjab will leave no stone unturned in dismantling the smuggling networks, stating, “We are committed to protecting the state’s revenue and ensuring justice is delivered. Chandigarh must act responsibly to put an end to this menace.”