New Delhi, Sept. 13 -- The Delhi government has stepped up its crackdown on the sale and smuggling of illegal liquor, with the Excise Department registering 725 FIRs and arresting 730 people between April and August this year.
During the five-month period, the department also seized 197 vehicles allegedly being used to transport illegal liquor and recovered around 2.20 lakh bottles.
The enforcement action has increased significantly compared to the corresponding period last year. Between April and August 2025, the department had registered 315 FIRs, arrested 312 people, seized 112 vehicles and recovered around one lakh bottles of illegal liquor.
According to officials, Delhi's geographical proximity to neighbouring states and around 70 large and small entry points make the city vulnerable to the smuggling of liquor. The Excise Department's enforcement wing has therefore been maintaining surveillance along these routes and taking action against those involved in the illegal trade.
The department has also initiated action against violations at licensed liquor establishments. Seven FIRs have been registered in such cases, with authorities sealing establishments, imposing fines and initiating other legal proceedings.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government was adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards the illegal liquor trade.
"The Delhi government is following a zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal liquor trade," Gupta said.
She added that the government was working on a new excise policy focused on public safety, responsible regulation, quality and revenue generation.
"The government's priority is to ensure adequate availability of legal liquor during festivals so that Delhi residents do not face any inconvenience, while also effectively curbing the sale and smuggling of illegal liquor," she said.
With the festive season approaching, the department is set to intensify enforcement against illegal liquor. At the same time, the government plans to ensure adequate supplies through legal channels, including retail outlets operated by government corporations and on-premises establishments such as hotels, clubs and restaurants.
Gupta said strict action would continue against those violating the law, while the new excise policy would seek to strengthen regulation of the liquor trade and increase government revenue.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.