Based on complaints received from various parts of the state, the excise department on Saturday raided 505 liquor shops at Raipur, Bilaspur and Bastar divisions and registered cases against 38 shops for overpricing as part of the ongoing pre-poll drive.
According to excise commissioner K P Singh, flying squads and district excise department teams conducted surprise inspection in 505 shops based on the complaints. The teams found the complaints to be true in case of 38 shops, where the employees were charging more than the specified price.
Singh said stern action has been initiated against the erring employees. The placement agencies that were found over pricing will also not be spared, the commissioner said.
Disciplinary action against those officials under whose jurisdiction the 38 shops are located will also be taken.
Directive has been given for termination of the employees with immediate effect, he added.
The process for installation of bio-metric system has been initiated in liquor outlets so that a terminated employee cannot get job in any other outlet in the state.
Meanwhile, at Kobia-based country/foreign liquor outlets of Bemetara district, complaint was received about distribution of liquor at higher rates. Based on the complaints, two Patwaris’ as decoy customers purchased liquor and found that the outlet was charging Rs 10 extra over and above the fixed price. No customer was also given receipt of purchase. The team interrogated the supervisor and employees. It was also found that the CCTV camera monitor was also not operational. The show-cause notice was issued to them, seeking their reply within a week.