Dhanbad’s war on bootleggers intensified with a predawn strike in Palani village. Excise teams, armed with secret intel, swooped down on a house in Baliapur police jurisdiction, targeting Shivcharan Mahto’s alleged den of fake foreign liquor operations.
The Friday morning blitz, around 6 AM, caught operators off-guard. Though some stock was hastily hidden, sleuths confiscated 18-25 liters of counterfeit whiskey valued at Rs 20,000 to 25,000. A key player was arrested, facing intense grilling to map out the syndicate.
Excise Officer Joy Hembram detailed the recovery and vowed escalated action. ‘These rackets rob the exchequer and risk lives with adulterated drinks,’ he noted, outlining the department’s multi-pronged offensive including regular patrols and informant networks.
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of illicit distillation in Jharkhand’s coal belt. Past raids have exposed links to organized crime, and current investigations may uncover similar ties. With public health at stake—fatal hooch tragedies still fresh in memory—authorities are leaving no stone unturned.
Villagers reported the site as a known nuisance, supplying cheap thrills to locals. The bust boosts morale for ongoing campaigns, signaling that no haven is safe for lawbreakers. Future sweeps promise to squeeze the life out of this pernicious trade.