Excise Department Uncovers Major Spurious Liquor Operation in West Bengal Ahead of Elections
Significant Seizure of Illicit Liquor Materials
Kolkata, March 30: In a significant operation, the Excise Department has confiscated a substantial amount of raw materials and equipment linked to the production of counterfeit liquor in Siliguri, West Bengal, as the state prepares for upcoming elections, according to a senior official from the Election Commission.
Reports indicate that approximately 1,560 litres of OP spirit, commonly known as surgical spirit, were seized during a raid conducted in response to a tip-off.
This substance is a crucial component in the creation of illegal liquor. Authorities suspect that there was a scheme to inundate the West Bengal market with counterfeit liquor to sway voters ahead of the Assembly elections.
The Excise Department has communicated this intelligence to the Election Commission, which has intensified monitoring and preventive measures against such illicit activities.
In total, the confiscated materials are valued at Rs 62.40 lakh. The haul included not only the OP spirit but also counterfeit labels from two popular liquor brands, fake holograms, bottle caps, and numerous empty plastic bottles.
Among the recovered items were around 14,000 counterfeit labels from one brand and over 3,000 from another, in addition to 984 fake holograms, 440 bottle caps, and 35 empty bottles.
The Election Commission confirmed that no legitimate liquor was discovered during the operation. The Excise Department stated that all items retrieved were intended for the production of spurious liquor.
Officials noted that the spirit was to be processed and marketed as branded alcohol using counterfeit labels and holograms to mislead consumers into believing the products were authentic. Following specific intelligence, excise officials executed the raid and destroyed the illicit materials.
Initial findings indicate that the effort to manufacture counterfeit liquor was designed to entice voters, while also posing a significant risk to public health. The Election Commission emphasized that such illicit liquor could lead to severe health complications if consumed.
Voting for the 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal is scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the counting of votes set for May 4.
The Election Commission has reaffirmed its dedication to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections, deploying observers across all constituencies.