Excise Dept auctions properties of defaulters to recover dues
Land, vehicles seized; woman contractor’s land auctioned
In a first-of-its-kind action, the state Excise Department has seized and auctioned properties of defaulting liquor contractors to recover pending government revenue, signalling a tough stance against tax evasion and wilful non-payment of dues.
A woman liquor contractor, Asha Devi of Nagrota Bagwan, had failed to deposit Rs 20 lakh in government dues for the previous financial year. Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner Prem Singh Kaith said repeated notices were served to her in accordance with departmental rules and procedures. However, after no satisfactory response was received, the department initiated proceedings to attach her properties.
Officials subsequently seized 10 marlas of land located in Shahpur sub-division of Kangra district and auctioned it. The auction fetched Rs 2.51 lakh. Action is now underway to recover the remaining Rs 17.50 lakh.
At the time of allotment of the liquor contract, the contractor had attached four kanals and 13 marlas of land as security. According to the DETC, during the recovery process, it was found that she had transferred a substantial portion of the mortgaged land to her husband’s name, leaving only 10 marlas in her own name.
Kaith alleged that the transfer was carried out without the mandatory permission of the Excise Department and was intended to evade recovery proceedings. “We are initiating legal steps to register a criminal case of fraud against her,” he said.
The department, in coordination with the revenue authorities, has prepared a detailed file of other movable and immovable assets linked to the contractor. These properties will be attached and auctioned, if necessary, to recover the outstanding amount.
In a separate action in the Nurpur subdivision of Kangra district, the Excise Department auctioned two trucks belonging to another defaulting liquor contractor who had failed to clear dues on time. The vehicles were sold after following due legal procedure. Officials said the process to identify and attach additional assets of the second defaulter is also underway.
The department maintained that such measures would continue against contractors who fail to comply with revenue obligations.
