Poll in view: Excise dept to intensify drive against illegal liquor sale

Even as the model code of conduct is in place the sale of illicit liquor has gone up drastically. The state excise department,which has carried out a drive against production,distribution and sale of illicit liquor,has recorded as many as 293 offences. Vijay Chinchalkar,superintendent of state excise,Pune,said that the department has seized illegal liquor worth Rs 21.48 lakh during raids from March 2. With sales usually going up during election period,the department has 12 teams formed for each constituency to carry out raids.

The department has already identified 100 sensitive areas,which will need thorough monitoring. Thirty-eight persons were arrested during these drives so far which will be continuing till May 16. Also the sale of liquor will not be permitted from April 21- 5 pm,48 hours before the voting,till 5 pm on April 23,the day of voting. Liquor shops will also remain closed on May 16,the counting day.