FPJ Impact: Licenses Of 3 Wine Shops Suspended For Sourcing Adulterated Liquor From Kongaon Gang

Less than a week after blowing the lid off a major racket involving adulteration of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL),  officials from the excise wing (Thane district) suspended the licenses of three wine shops in the twin-city for allegedly buying consignments from the racketeer's.

The Free Press Journal which has been regularly following up the issue since the arrest of a bootlegger from Kashimira on 1 April, had indicated the involvement of some authorized wine shops and permit rooms in the twin-city for allegedly purchasing the adulterated IMFL from the racketeers at more than half the maximum retail price (MRP).

The sealed establishments include- Chetan Wines ( in Mira Road and Bhayandar) and Dadar Wines in Bhayandar (photos of sealed locks with FPJ). However even after unearthing such a massive racket, senior officials from the excise department which is often criticised for giving more importance to revenue than taking a stern stand against violations,  refused to divulge the names of the erring establishments. It was claimed that it was just temporary suspensions and the owners had already filed appeals challenging the action before the district collector. 

"Selling adulterated liquor is not a normal breach of rule, its a severe crime which needs to be dealt with an iron hand to send out a strong message that such violations cannot be tolerated." said a retired excise officer seeking anonymity. 

Notably, the collector is empowered to assess the seveity of the offences and decide the quantum of punishment which ranges from monetary penalties, temporary suspension of licenses, permit terminations and evehand jail terms. The racketeers opened sealed of two-liter whisky bottles, drained around 400 ml of the liquor and filled it up with mineral water before slamming the sealed cap back into place with the help of packaging equipment in Kongaon village near Bhiwandi. 

The drained liquor was again adulterated with water and refilled in empty bottles procured from local scrap dealers, before finding its way to local bootleggers and even authorized liquor dispensing outlets in the district. So far, three repacking units have been raided and seven people have been arrested so far. However the kingpin of the racket is still absconding.