Latest news with #Excise
Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
Excise sleuths bust illicit liquor bottling racket
Rajanna Siricilla: In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor trade, the Excise department in Vemulawada on Tuesday apprehended two persons on the charge of operating an illicit bottling unit that repackaged cheap liquor in branded alcohol bottles. The arrests followed a surveillance-based operation undertaken on the basis of credible intelligence. Speaking at a press conference held at the local Excise office here on Wednesday, Circle Inspector Rajasekhar Rao disclosed that one of the accused, identified as Tuniki Karthik from R&R Colony in Rudravanam under Vemulawada Urban mandal, had been clandestinely collecting used bottles of reputed liquor brands such as Black & White, William's Son, Black Dog, Red Label, and Signature. These bottles were reportedly refilled with spurious alcohol and sold to unsuspecting consumers in the local market. The Excise team, acting swiftly on gathered intelligence, conducted a raid at Karthik's residence where they discovered a substantial stock of counterfeit liquor. The seizure included 9 two-litre and 9 one-litre water bottles containing low-grade liquor, in addition to three Signature-branded bottles. Upon interrogation, Karthik confessed to running the operation for over six months with the help of an accomplice, identified as Damarapalli Santosh of Vemulawada town. Subsequent searches at Santosh's premises yielded further contraband — including three bottles each of Signature and William's (750 ml), and one bottle each of IB, RC Red, and Royal Green, along with a half-litre bottle of RC Red. Officials estimate the current market value of the seized material to be around Rs 50,000, with the total volume of illicit transactions conducted by the duo suspected to have crossed Rs 2 lakh during the six-month period. Both accused have been remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the cheap liquor used and determine if the racket has wider linkages. CI Rajasekhar Rao reiterated the department's commitment to curbing the sale of illicit liquor, stating that 'there will be zero tolerance towards activities endangering public health. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious liquor trade to the authorities.'
New Indian Express
05-08-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Emphasis on public health, not revenue: Andhra CM on new bar policy
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced the new bar policy of Andhra Pradesh, effective from September 1, emphasising public health over revenue generation. The policy, based on the recommendations of the Cabinet sub-committee, aims to promote responsible alcohol consumption, and protect the well-being of citizens, particularly the economically disadvantaged. During a review meeting at the State Secretariat with Ministers Kollu Ravindra (Excise) and Kondapalli Srinivas (MSME), and Excise officials on Monday, Naidu stressed that the new policy prioritises public health. 'The liquor policy is not just about revenue. We must focus on safeguarding people's health, and ensuring that poor households are not devastated by alcohol,' he asserted. Naidu highlighted that low-alcohol content beverages could reduce health risks for consumers, and mitigate the harm caused by substandard liquor, which affected lakhs of families during the previous regime. Now, the State has 840 bars, and bar licences will be allotted through a lottery system under the new policy. Licence fee is set based on population. The fee is Rs 35 lakh for areas with a population below 50,000, Rs 55 lakh for up to 5 lakh, and Rs 75 lakh above 5 lakh. The policy is expected to generate Rs 700 crore revenue through applications, and licence fee, with a mandatory requirement of at least four applications per bar.
The Hindu
04-08-2025
- The Hindu
Kerala Excise department launches drive to curb sale of illicit liquor, drug trafficking in Alappuzha during Onam
The Excise department of Kerala has launched a special drive to prevent the brewing and sale of illicit liquor and drug trafficking during the Onam festival in Alappuzha district. The drive, which began on Monday, will continue until September 10. As part of the drive, Excise enforcement squads will conduct inspections across the district. The department has opened a round-the-clock control room at the office of the Deputy Excise Commissioner. People can report illegal activities by contacting the Excise intelligence wing or reaching out to Excise department offices and officers in the district. The identity of those who provide information will be kept confidential. Rewards for informants Informants will be rewarded based on the quantity of substances seized, in accordance with existing rules. Illegal activities can be reported to the district control room at the following numbers: 18004252696, 155358 (toll-free) or 0477-2252049. In addition to the control room, people can also contact the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad, officials, circle and range offices. Excise Enforcement and Anti Narcotic Special Squad- 0477 2251639, 9400069495, 9400069494; Assistant Excise Commissioner (Enforcement)- 9496002864; Excise Deputy Commissioner- 9447178056 Excise circle offices- 04782813126, 9400069483, 9400069484 (Cherthala); 0477-2230183, 9400069485, 9400069486 (Alappuzha); 0477-2704833, 9400069487, 9400069486 (Kuttanad); 0479-2452415, 9400069489, 9400069488 (Chengannur); 0479-2340265, 9400069490, 9400069491 (Mavelikara); 0479-2412350, 9400069492, 9400069493 (Haripad) and 0478-2561966, 9400069496 (Kuthiathode). Excise range offices- 0478 2823547, 9400069497 (Cherthala); 0477 - 2230182, 9400069498 (Alappuzha); 0477 - 2704851, 9400069499 (Kuttanad); 0479-2451818, 9400069501 (Chengannur); 0479-2340270, 9400069502 (Mavelikara); 0479 2383400, 9400069503 (Nooranad); 0479-2411570, 9400069504 (Karthikappally) and 0479-2434858, 9400069505 (Kayamkulam).
Express Tribune
03-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Property tax hike sparks outcry
The Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department has enforced an unprecedented 50% increase in residential and commercial property taxes across the Rawalpindi Division, issuing tax notices and leaving many taxpayers alarmed by the unexpectedly high amounts reflected in their bills. The revised tax bills pertain to the financial year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with taxpayers directed to make payments by September 30, 2025. A special concession has been introduced as those who settle their dues by the deadline will receive a 5% discount. However, from October 1, a strict recovery drive will be launched, targeting defaulters. The department aims to collect 30% to 40% of its annual target within the first quarter of the financial year. From October onwards, enforcement measures will include property seizures and arrests of non-compliant individuals. Additionally, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) has approved an increase in DC (District Collector) property valuation rates across most areas of the district by 10% to 25%. In nearly two dozen upscale localities — including Union Kotha Kalan I and II, and neighbouring high-income areas — the official valuation rates have seen a dramatic increase of 300% to 500%. The Excise Department has now shifted from its previous calculation method to a new system based on the updated DC rates, leading to what is being described as the highest property tax rise in the nation's history for both residential and commercial sectors. The business community has strongly condemned the move. Local traders have branded the increase as "extortion in the name of taxation" and have announced their refusal to comply. Ghulam Qadir Mir, President of the Anjuman-e-Tajiran, Sabzi Mandi, stated that by law, the annual increase in property tax should not exceed 10%, and any hike beyond that is unlawful and unacceptable. He warned of widespread protests and a legal challenge in the Lahore High Court (LHC), insisting that no shopkeeper could be expected to pay taxes exceeding their income. In line with directives issued by the ITO Excise, property tax bills must be delivered to all taxpayers across the division by August 31. The department is also verifying delivery through WhatsApp calls, confirming receipt with property owners. Strict instructions have been issued for the 1 October recovery operation to proceed without exceptions or leniency. The Director-General of Excise, expressing deep dissatisfaction over a 48% shortfall in last year's property tax revenue, has ordered all officers in the Rawalpindi Division to exceed their revenue targets in the current financial year.
Deccan Herald
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Telangana HC quashes defamation case against CM Revanth Reddy
The High Court allowed the petition filed by Revanth Reddy seeking to quash proceedings against him in the case pending trial before a Special Judicial First Class Magistrate (JFCM) for Excise cases (designated MP-MLA court) here.
