The Commercial Tax (Excise) department will continue their extensive drive in all the districts of Chhattisgarh to stop illegal sale of liquor.
Excise commissioner Dr Kamalpreet Singh conducted state level monthly review meeting of excise department at Abkari Bhawan on Tuesday.
Briefing the meeting, excise officials stated that within a month 947 cases were registered and 894 accused were arrested under different sections of the Excise Act.
A total of 3,632 litres of illegal liquor was seized in a month while eight vehicles involved in transportation of the illegal items were also seized.
Excise commissioner directed the officials to hold regular surprise inspection at outlets selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and country made liquor. During the inspection, quality of liquor should also be tested.
The officials should also ensure that the liquor should not be over priced under any circumstances. Immediate action should be taken to probe any complaint of over pricing and legal action against those involved should be taken, he said.
The concerned district excise officials would be held responsible if any laxity in dealing with case of overcharging is found. Already there are a few instances of action being taken against the excise officials in this regard.
Dr Kamalpreet said officers have to ensure action within 24 hours of receiving a complaint or information about illegal sale of liquor or overpricing.
The CCTV cameras of the shops should be kept in operational condition round the clock. In all the 650 outlets -- 340 of country made liquor and 310 of IMFL shops-- the cameras have been installed.
Similarly, the customers should be given printed bill on the purchase. Commercial tax (excise) special secretary, additional commissioner, district officials were present at the meeting.