In a crackdown on the illegal liquor trade over the last fortnight, excise departments in both Bhopal and Indore launched late-night raids on eateries, dhabas, and unauthorised liquor hubs, sending shockwaves through the underground alcohol market. Over 50 cases were registered collectively, with large quantities of liquor seized and strict legal action initiated against violators. In Bhopal, the Excise Department, assisted by police, conducted raids at restaurants and eateries on Kolar Road, near Kerwa Dam, and close to ISBT. Officials found that many of these places were serving liquor in violation of regulations. Branded liquor bottles were seized from premises such as L N Hotel, Deshi Tadka, Natkhad Dhaba, Bhaialal Dhaba, Basil Restaurant, and Tree Chapter. The operation was led by Assistant Excise Commissioner Virendra Dhakad and resulted in over a dozen cases being filed under the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act. Just days earlier, a major enforcement drive saw the suspension of licences and sealing of 59 establishments. Last weekend, fresh raids were carried out in areas including Arera Colony, Number 10 Market, and Berasia Road, where more violations came to light. Meanwhile, in Indore, the Excise Department launched a simultaneous and coordinated offensive against illicit liquor businesses across key city hotspots on May 12. Acting on the directives of Collector Ashish Singh, divisional excise flying squad head Sanjay Tiwari led an operation under the guidance of Assistant Excise Commissioner Abhishek Tiwari. Over 30 targeted searches were carried out at locations including Chandmari Compound, Labaria Bheru, MR-10 Square, Khandwa Naka, and Bypass. The Indore raids uncovered 30.54 bulk litres of country-made liquor, 11.72 bulk litres of foreign liquor spirit, 28.2 bulk litres of foreign beer, 37 litres of hand-distilled liquor, and 310 kilograms of mahua lahan, amounting to Rs 79,754 worth of seized contraband. A total of 44 cases were filed under Sections 34(1)(A), 36(A), and 36(B) of the Excise Act. Assistant Commissioner Abhishek Tiwari reaffirmed the departments commitment to curbing illicit liquor manufacturing and sale. He emphasised that stringent measures will continue and that none of those involved in the illicit trade will be spared.

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