Nexus between Meghalaya wine shops and Excise check post?

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, July 23: The State government through a gazette notification in December last year, banned consumption of alcoholic beverages bought of other States in Assam. The notification was issued as per the Assam Excise Rule (Amendment) Act, 2014. But it has come to light that despite this stringent rule of the State government, the concerned authorities have failed to put a restriction on it.

It has come to light that the Excise officials of Khapara Excise Check Post is paying no heed to the act and people are openly bringing in alcohol to the State from the neighbouring State of Meghalaya. It has been also alleged that the excise officials of the Khapara check post have a nexus with the wine shops in the Meghalaya part of Khapara. Recently, the Excise Commissioner himself witnessed the empty check post during a sudden visit.

It needs to be mentioned here that whenever the Excise officials of Guwahati or the Excise Intelligence Bureau conducts surprise checking in the area, the officials use to seize huge quantity of alcohols from Meghalaya. Contrary to that, the Khapara check-post seldom makes any such attempt.

The Khapara Excise check post has one inspector, six ASI, and six number of constables. But, most of the time, the check post is left off guard. The same was witnessed on Thursday when the Commissioner visited the check post. An inquiry has been ordered by the Commissioner in this regard.

It can be mentioned that due to the negligence of the Khapara Excise check post, now the State government is facing a huge loss in terms of revenue.