GUWAHATI: Retail and wholesale units of liquor stores in Assam have been directed to report daily stock positions and incidences of “abnormal lifting” to check the flow of liquor during the elections.
According to an excise official, based on directions by the Election Commission, retail and wholesale units have been asked to report daily stock positions, which is being sent to the EC daily as well as details of illicit liquor seized.
These seizure reports will have to be sent to the EC by 3 pm every day and should contain the seizures made between 9 am of the previous day and 9 am of the day of seizing.
The daily reporting has begun since the model of conduct came into force and will continue until the elections are over.
Incidences of “abnormal” and “suspicious” lifting of stock by anyone also has to be reported along with the detailed information of the person who has placed the order.
Flying squads have been formed at district and field levels to check the distribution of liquor in the run-up to the elections. Three flying squads are on standby at the Excise Commissionerate, Guwahati headquarters.
The excise department has also provided two phone numbers for the public to register complaints regarding illicit liquor. The toll-free number is 18003453545 and WhatsApp number is 9435052381.
According to reports, over 25,263 litres of illicit liquor have been seized in Assam by the police and excise teams since the model of conduct was introduced.
This report was first published in The Assam Tribune.
