HC refuses CBI probe into illicit distillation

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 26

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused to order a CBI probe into alleged “rampant distillation” of illicit liquor in Punjab, but has expressed confidence fair and impartial investigations will be carried out by the state agencies.

The Bench of Chief Justice Ravi Shanker Jha and Justice Arun Palli also made it clear the police probe into the matter, in its opinion, could neither be dubbed as farce, nor fair at the current stage.

The Bench was hearing a petition filed in public interest by Tarsem Jodhan and another petitioner. Referring to five FIRs registered in different parts of the state between 2018 and this year, the petitioners’ counsel submitted only petty labourers, workers and bootleggers were booked.

He added racket of this magnitude required finances, infrastructure and logistic support at all levels, unviable without connivance of district police officials and administration, besides patronage of local political leaders. INSIDE