The Assam Excise Department has dismantled a large illegal liquor manufacturing network operating in Chirang district during a two-day enforcement drive. Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint team from the Excise Intelligence Bureau (EIB), Bongaigaon Excise Unit, and Chirang Excise Unit conducted multiple raids and seized huge quantities of raw materials used in counterfeit liquor production.
Officials recovered Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), caramel, packaging materials, bottling equipment, and thousands of empty liquor bottles. The department detained one suspect and launched a search for the absconding accused. Moreover, senior officials have pledged to intensify enforcement efforts across Assam to curb illegal liquor activities and protect public health.
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Key Facts
- Location: Chirang District, Assam
- Operation: Two-day enforcement drive
- Agencies Involved: Excise Intelligence Bureau (EIB), Bongaigaon Excise Unit, Chirang Excise Unit
- Items Seized: ENA drums, caramel drums, branded mono cartons, bottle-capping machine, empty liquor bottles
- Detained: Lankeswar Debnath
- Main Suspect: Absconding
- Objective: Eliminate counterfeit liquor networks and prevent revenue loss
- State Response: Intensified surveillance and enforcement operations
Assam Excise Launches Major Crackdown
The Assam Excise Department launched a major operation against illegal liquor manufacturing activities in Chirang district. The department acted on specific intelligence inputs that pointed to the existence of a well-organized counterfeit liquor network in the area.
Subsequently, a joint team comprising officers from the Guwahati-based Excise Intelligence Bureau, Bongaigaon Excise Unit, and Chirang Excise Unit carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations. As a result, officials uncovered large quantities of contraband and equipment linked to illicit liquor production.
Officials Recover Hidden Stock of Raw Materials
During a raid at a poultry farm in Sundari allegedly owned by Surana Muchahary, excise officials discovered six concealed drums of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), a key ingredient used in liquor production.
Additionally, the team recovered three drums of caramel and thousands of branded mono cartons. Investigators believe operators intended to use these materials to manufacture and package counterfeit liquor products.
Furthermore, the scale of the recovery suggests that the network had developed an extensive production and distribution system capable of supplying large quantities of illegal liquor.
Bottling Equipment Found During Second Raid
Meanwhile, another enforcement team raided the residence of Dipak Debnath in Bhutiapara.
During the operation, officials seized a bottle-capping machine along with additional raw materials used in bottling and packaging activities. Moreover, the recovery of specialized equipment indicates that the network had the capability to produce counterfeit liquor on a commercial scale.
Authorities stated that such equipment often plays a crucial role in creating fake branded products that can enter the market undetected.
Huge Cache of Empty Liquor Bottles Seized
Acting on fresh intelligence, excise officials expanded their operation and searched a heavily camouflaged five-bigha plot allegedly belonging to Sanjiv Debnath.
There, the team uncovered 126 gunny bags filled with empty liquor bottles prepared for illegal bottling operations. Additionally, the hidden storage site revealed the sophisticated methods the network used to avoid detection.
Officials noted that the seizure of such a large number of bottles points to preparations for large-scale production and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
One Suspect Detained, Search Intensifies
The enforcement team detained Lankeswar Debnath in connection with the illegal operation. However, the primary suspect remains absconding.
Consequently, authorities have intensified search efforts to locate the accused and identify other individuals involved in the network. Investigators continue to gather evidence and examine possible links to wider illegal liquor supply chains operating in the region.
Assam Excise Commissioner Issues Strong Warning
Assam Excise Commissioner Jitu Doley reaffirmed the department’s commitment to eliminating counterfeit liquor networks across the state.
He warned that enforcement teams would continue tracking offenders regardless of how deeply they conceal contraband or camouflage their operations. Furthermore, he assured the public that authorities would take strict action against every individual involved in illegal liquor production.
Doley also emphasized that the department remains focused on protecting state revenue and ensuring public safety.
Officials Promise Tough Legal Action
Senior Excise Officer Sailendra Pandey echoed the commissioner’s stance and described the operation as a strong warning to those involved in illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution.
According to Pandey, authorities will prosecute every individual connected to the supply chain, including suppliers of raw materials, transporters, distributors, and ground-level operators.
Moreover, he stated that the department has strengthened surveillance and enforcement activities throughout Assam. As a result, officials expect more targeted operations against counterfeit liquor networks in the coming weeks.
Importance of Chirang and Northeast India
Chirang district occupies a strategically important position in Assam and the Northeast region. Therefore, strong enforcement against illegal liquor production remains essential for protecting public health, preventing revenue losses, and maintaining law and order.
Moreover, successful crackdowns help authorities disrupt organized criminal activities and strengthen regulatory oversight across the region.
Questions and Answers
What happened in Chirang district?
The Assam Excise Department dismantled a large illegal liquor manufacturing network during a two-day enforcement drive.
What items did officials seize?
Officials seized ENA drums, caramel drums, branded mono cartons, a bottle-capping machine, and 126 gunny bags of empty liquor bottles.
Who was detained during the operation?
Authorities detained Lankeswar Debnath in connection with the illegal liquor network.
Is the main suspect in custody?
No. The primary suspect remains absconding, and authorities continue their search.
Why is this crackdown important?
The operation helps protect public health, prevents revenue losses, and disrupts counterfeit liquor networks.
What steps will the Excise Department take next?
The department has intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts across Assam to identify and dismantle similar illegal operations.
