ED takes over probe in Ghanaur illegal liquor distillery case

Tribune News Service
Patiala, June 16 

Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday took over the probe into the Ghanaur illegal liquor distillery case.

ED officials in Patiala met SSP Mandeep Sidhu to get information on the case.

Also read: Illegal liquor trade issue snowballs into political row

The controversy erupted in May when the Patiala police and the Excise Department raided an illegal distillery-cum-liquor-bottling plant, which was making huge money during the lockdown by selling illicit liquor under the guise of popular brands. The accused, operating the distillery from a cold store, were making liquor by diluting extra neutral alcohol (ENA), which was available at a cheaper price. They were then selling it at exorbitant rates.

The recovery of liquor in has snowballed into a political controversy with Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders blaming each other for “being involved in illegal liquor trade”.