As the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections draw near, the Maharashtra State Excise Department’s Pune Division is cracking down on illegal activities. Since October 1st, a total of 1,267 cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 1,179 individuals. Seized items include liquor, contraband, and 182 vehicles valued at ₹5.55 crore. Notorious repeat offenders are being held accountable with bonds of good behaviour, resulting in fines totaling ₹11.80 lakh.
In some high-profile cases, authorities intercepted illegal liquor being transported from Goa, where it is cheaper but banned in Maharashtra. Two vehicles and liquor worth ₹41.77 lakh were seized. Additionally, action has been taken against 101 liquor license holders for violating regulations set by the Maharashtra State Excise Department.
The crackdown is aimed at preventing the use of liquor to influence voters during elections. To enhance monitoring, the Excise Department has established 18 temporary checkposts across Pune to thoroughly inspect suspicious vehicles. Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase has issued strict directives to prevent election-related misconduct involving liquor and has instructed officials to take strict action against any violations.
In a move to further control the situation, a six-day dry period has been announced in all 21 constituencies of Pune district. Starting at 6 PM on November 18th, coinciding with the election silence period, the dry period will continue until the end of November 23rd, the day of vote counting for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections.
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