Illicit liquor trade: Excise dept mulls setting up network of informers

Maharashtra Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai on Monday informed the State Legislative Assembly that his department was mulling setting up an informers network to provide information about the illicit liquor trade in the state.

“On the lines of the informers network of the police department, these informers can tip us off about illicit liquor trade rampant in the district. Those who will supply information may also be awarded with a monetary prize,” said Desai.

He was replying to a question raised by leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar, who had asked Desai to take stringent measures to eliminate illicit liquor trade.

“These informers can be paid lakhs of rupees if needed, because the illegal liquor trade costs the state crores of rupees in taxes,” said Pawar, adding that a handsome reward would attract people in the illegal trade to tip off authorities.