Team Herald
MARGAO: In wake of the panchayat elections scheduled on August 10, railway authorities have decided to enhance their vigil on the illegal transportation of liquor in the state.
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Railway authorities expressed possibilities of liquor being supplied in huge quantities in order to distribute it amongst the voters to influence them.
The State Government has already issued an order banning the transportation of liquor in any part of the state on three days, August 9, 10 and 12.
Baban Ghatge, Chief Public Relations Officer, Konkan Railway informed Herald that instructions have been issued to the Konkan Railway Police, besides other officers of the railway authorities to keep a strict vigil on the illegal transportation of liquor.
He said, “Yes, there are possibilities of liquor being transported in the state of Goa from neighbouring states so that it can be distributed to influence the voters in upcoming panchayat elections.”
Ghatge also informed that they collaborating with the Goa Police in this regard.
“Liquor worth Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 is seized per month by the Konkan Railway Police, which is being transported illegally in the state of Goa by railways. There are possibilities of more illegal liquor transportation in the state, in wake of upcoming panchayat elections. We are keeping a watch on such activities,” he stated.
In a notification issued by Under Secretary Of finance, Pranab Bhat, the government has banned the transportation of liquor from one place to another within the state of Goa and also specified the maximum quantity of liquor which can be possessed by any person during this period.
As per the notification, only three quarts of IMFL or foreign liquor other than beer and six bottles of beer of 650 ml for any person including his family, and three-quart bottles of country liquor will be allowed to be possessed by any person.
