Jammu, 20 April (HS). In Jammu and Kashmir, the excise and police administration remain a mute spectator to the recovery of more than the prescribed price on the sale of liquor, forcing one to think that this dirty business of recovery is being carried out in collusion. This allegation has been made by Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Manish Sahni.
In a press conference held at Jammu Press Club on Saturday, State Chief Manish Sahni said that for a long time almost every liquor seller in Jammu and Kashmir has been openly collecting more than the MRP illegally. There should be a thorough investigation into which invisible power is sending lakhs of rupees every day and crores of rupees every month by charging an extra Rs 10-50 on every bottle of liquor.
Sahni said that despite the provision of heavy fine of up to Rs 40 thousand and even cancellation of license for recovery of more than the price fixed by the Excise Department, this illegal extortion continues indiscriminately. He said that despite dozens of complaints to the police and excise department and several stings by media persons, the game of remaining a mute spectator continues. Due to which the suspicion is strengthened that this racket is being run with the connivance of some corrupt officials of the concerned departments.
Sahni has demanded from the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir that this racket should be thoroughly investigated and completely curbed. Along with this, Sahni has reiterated his demand to close liquor shops near religious places and educational institutions. On this occasion, General Secretary Vikas Bakshi, Vice President Balwant Singh, President Kamgar Raj Singh, Secretary Rakesh Handa were present.