District Magistrate of Sheikhpura on Tuesdy said notices have been sent to all the residents of Dadhi tola under Sheikhpura block in connection with violation of the Act. A government spokesman said the DM has told the Principal Secretary, Excise department, that police and excise officials had conducted raid at the village three times in last ten days and they found villagers were engaged in liquor manufacture.They were repeatedly told to disband their illicit liquor factories but they ignored the administration’s directive.
All vilagers have been booked under different sections of the Excise Act and they will have to pay penalty collectively. Fine may go up to Rs one to Rs ten lakh. This is the first incident of community punishment for violation of the Excise Act in Bihar.
Meanwhile,the state government on Tuesday decided to enhance sales- tax on 150 items including garments, medicines,biscuits etc to make up for the loss of excise revenue following ban on liquor. The taxes will inrease from one to five percent. A bill to enhance taxes was introduced in both the Houses of the state legislature. Sweets and snacks would also become costlier now.