With upcoming poll, illegal distilleries back in business

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 14

With announcement of the Assembly elections, the number of distilleries making country made liquor in certain pockets of the city and outskirts has gone up considerably.

A worker of one such running distillery at Bhalle Wala Khoo in the Chheharta area said, “The demand for ‘Lahan’ has increased all of a sudden. The cold wave prolongs the process of distilling liquor, besides making it cumbersome.”

He said, “It takes around five days to ferment the liquor, which otherwise takes a day or two during summers.”

“Mohalla leaders of political parties procure country liquor in gallons in water coolers brought along by them,” he added.

Another person running illegal distillery in the Anngarh area did not like the elections. He said, “Police and excise officials increase vigil during elections. Politicians do not come out in support if anyone is caught in the illegal trade.”

He recalled that police officials returned after a political leader of his area had intervened. However, after some days a case was registered.

A person distilling illicit liquor in the Chheharta area said the booze was made from jaggery, dates, gachi, nashadar, peels of orange, kinnow, cardamom, fennel and other ingredients. He said the sale of country liquor would be much more as it caters to all segments of society.

“Lahan, which costs Rs 80 per litre, caters to consumers from lower income groups,” he added.

An employee of a liquor vend Parmod Kumar said the sale of country made liquor had certainly picked up after the announcement of elections. He said, “The two country-made brands Santra and Sounfi cost Rs 230 for each bottle. English whisky Cash is available at Rs 260 per bottle. One bottle contains 750 ml liquor.”

When contacted Police Commissioner G Nageshwara Rao said the practice of illegal trade had been brought to his notice after he assumed charge. He said, “I will direct officials to carry out inspection to prevent distilling of illicit liquor.”