Kokrajhar, June 28: In a significant enforcement action, the Assam Excise Department dismantled an illicit liquor manufacturing facility in Somorpur, under the jurisdiction of the Bishmuri Police outpost in Kokrajhar District. The raid, conducted on June 23, followed credible intelligence from the Guwahati Excise Department, leading to the seizure of a large cache of materials used in the illegal production of alcohol.
The items confiscated during the raid include:
- Cap fixing machine: 1 unit
- Steel container VAT for blending: 1 unit
- Plastic storage tanks (2000 L capacity): 2 units
- Suspected spirit: 20 liters
- Holograms: 51,000 units
- Bottle caps: 95,200 units
- PET bottles: 10,270 units
- Glass bottles: 35,850 units
- Fake labels: 34,550 units
- Cartons: 6,000 units
- Caramel: 100 kilograms
The principal suspect, Swmdwn Basumatary, remains at large. Notices have been issued to Minati Brahma, Gopinath Brahma, and Khanteshwar Basumatary, who are required to report to authorities despite their current unavailability.
Speaking on behalf of the Excise Department, AK Bayan emphasized the department’s relentless efforts to combat illegal and counterfeit liquor production and distribution in Assam. He highlighted the importance of these operations, particularly in light of the Assam Government’s initiatives to regulate liquor prices and increase revenue.
This raid underscores the persistent challenges posed by illegal liquor operations and demonstrates the department’s proactive measures to protect public health and safety.