Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 March 2024
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the diligent personnel of OP Gandhi Nagar, under the jurisdiction of PS Campbell Bay, carried out a successful raid in the dense expanse of Gandhi Nagar Forest Area. Led by the efficient supervision of Sub-Inspector Roshan George, the Station House Officer (SHO) of PS Campbell Bay, the operation aimed at curbing the rampant production of illicit liquor in the region.
The raiding team, composed of Head Constable S.P. Baroi and Police Constable Mahesh Singh Rawat, executed the operation with precision, leading to the discovery and subsequent destruction of approximately 550 litres of ‘Lehan’—a raw form of liquor commonly used in the illicit distillation process.
Lehan, in its premature state, serves as a precursor to the production of illicit liquor, which poses significant health hazards to consumers due to lack of quality control and adherence to safety standards.
The eradication of this clandestine operation dealt a severe blow to the illegal liquor trade in the area, signalling a resolute stance by law enforcement agencies against such illicit activities.
The intensified vigilance by the police assumes added significance in light of the forthcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha-2024, underscoring the commitment to ensuring law and order during this crucial period.
The proliferation of illicit liquor, colloquially known as ‘Jungli Daru’, particularly becomes rampant in certain regions of Great Nicobar when official sources of alcohol, such as the ANIIDCO IMFL Shop, face delays in restocking. However, the consumption of illicit liquor carries inherent risks, often resulting in fatal consequences or irreparable damage to health due to its unregulated production process.
Residents should refrain from consuming illicit liquor and actively report any instances of its sale or manufacture in their communities. Such cooperation with law enforcement is vital in combating the menace of illegal liquor and safeguarding public health and safety.