Capt for crackdown on bootlegging
CHANDIGARH: Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday directed the police department to crack down on all kinds of liquor smuggling, bootlegging and illicit distillation of liquor to protect the cash-strapped state from incurring revenue losses due to such activities.
Captain ordered immediate action to be initiated against deputy superintendents of police (DSP) of sub-divisions and station house officers (SHO) in whose areas such activity is taking place. He also ordered strict proceedings against any government officer or official found negligent or abetting any illegal activity in any manner relating to distillation, smuggling or distribution of liquor. The CM’s directions come at a time when Opposition parties and the ruling Congress are trading charges over this issue, which is also at the heart of the recent discord between bureaucrats and ministers in Amarinder’ cabinet.
On the CM’s directives, DGP Dinkar Gupta has issued necessary directives to all commissioners
The CM had made it clear that owing to acute economic stress arising from the curfew, the state must mobilise all possible revenue sources. DINKAR GUPTA, Punjab DGP
of police (CP) and senior superintendents of police (SSP) in the state to identify liquor smugglers, suppliers and bootleggers, district-wise and police station wise, by May 23. The officers have also been asked to take all possible legal action against such persons, including under the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management and Epidemics Act.
The DGP said the CM had made it clear that owing to acute economic stress in the country arising from the curfew, the state government must mobilise all possible revenue. Following the CM’s orders, the DGP has directed CPs and SSPs to hold a meeting via video conferencing with DSPs of sub-divisions and SHOs to make it absolutely clear that if any illegal liquor factory is found operational in his area of jurisdiction, he will be liable to be shifted out with legal and departmental action initiated against him. He will also become ineligible for SHO and public dealing postings in future.