2,600 litre illicit liquor seized in Paonta Sahib forest area

The Majra police have busted a major illicit liquor manufacturing operation found deep inside the forests of the Khara region in Paonta Sahib subdivision of Sirmaur district. After receiving a tip-off about country-made liquor being brewed in an ‘inaccessible’ forest area, a police team led by the Station House Officer of the Majra police station proceeded towards the location.

The team moved several kilometres into the dense forest terrain before reaching a secluded spot, where the police personnel found an extensive arrangement for brewing country-made liquor.

They have recovered nearly 2,600 litres of raw liquor, while four makeshift distillation units, commonly known as ‘bhattis’, were found operational. These units were being used to ferment and distil liquor using locally-sourced materials.

Considering the hazardous nature of illegal liquor and risks to public health, the police destroyed the entire stock on the spot and dismantled all four distillation setups. Police officers highlighted that such liquor is often unsafe for human consumption and has been linked to several poisoning cases in the past.

“Illicit liquor operations pose a serious threat to public health and encourage unlawful trade networks. Our teams are keeping strict vigilance in vulnerable areas, and anyone found involved in these activities will face stringent legal action. We urge the public to continue sharing timely information so that such networks can be eliminated,” said Sirmaur Superintendent of Police Nishchint Singh Negi.

The police said the operation was part of an ongoing district-wide campaign against illegal production of liquor. They added that surveillance has been intensified in forests as well as other remote areas of Paonta Sahib, and efforts were underway to trace individuals linked to the destroyed setup.