Controversy between Excise officials, cops over seized lahan

A controversy has arisen between the Excise Department and Chabal police over the quantity of lahan recovered from Khairdinke village on Friday. The lahan was recovered by the Excise Department team from the residence of Baljinder Singh who was arrested on the spot. Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) Inderjit Singh Sehjra, in a press release sent to this correspondent, informed that the recovered lahan was of the quantity of 2,600 litre. Under the set rules, the team of the department handed over the accused and the recovered lahan along with other material to the Chabal police on the same day. In the case registered, the Chabal police mentioned that the recovered lahan was 2,200 litre and registered a case under section 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act.

When contacted, Inspector Paramjit Singh Virdi, SHO, Chabal said 2,200 litre of lahan was recovered by the Excise Department team and that two of the drums were found to be empty.

However, Excise and Taxation Officer Inderjit Singh Sehjra confirmed and said that the recovered lahan was 2,600 litre.

This has given rise to growing concern as to where the remaining 400 litre of lahan has gone. Neutral sources in the departments said that it was common and takes place due to a variety of reasons which only a fair inquiry can determine.