A Nagaland-registered truck allegedly transporting illicit liquor caught fire under suspicious circumstances at Dhargal on June 17, raising serious concerns about illegal alcohol trade and regulatory oversight.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing the House, confirmed that the truck had no valid permits, and a detailed investigation is underway. Although bottles were seized, the source or factory of the liquor remains untraced, the CM added.
“We will cancel the license involved and suspend the concerned excise official once responsibilities are fixed,” Sawant assured the Assembly.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The issue sparked a sharp reaction from Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas, who demanded strict accountability and questioned how the truck managed to clear Customs checks despite carrying contraband.
“This is not just a case of smuggling. It reflects a breakdown in enforcement. How did such a vehicle pass through Customs?” Viegas asked, pressing for wider departmental scrutiny.
The incident has triggered demands for a comprehensive review of the excise department’s monitoring system and coordination with Customs authorities to prevent the recurrence of such illegal operations.
