Latest news with #RahulDevSharma
Hans India
26-07-2025
- Hans India
Govt to crack down on alcohol diversion
Vijayawada: To combat the illegal diversion of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), Rectified Spirit (RS), and Ethanol, the state prohibition and excise department conducted a statewide video conference with distillery officers. Excise commissioner Nishanth Kumar and enforcement director Rahul Dev Sharma led the meeting, issuing strict instructions to enhance monitoring at distilleries to prevent the diversion of alcohol intended for industrial or potable use. Principal secretary for excise and GAD, Mukesh Kumar Meena, said robust regulatory oversight is needed to prevent diversion, emphasising accountability, transparency, and technology-driven monitoring. His regular reviews and coordination with enforcement teams have intensified the department's crackdown on illegal activities. Meena also directed officials to improve interdepartmental coordination, enhance surveillance systems, and address gaps in tracking industrial alcohol movement and usage. The initiative follows a significant enforcement action in the Palakollu spurious liquor case, where 36 individuals were arrested, and over 2,200 litre of diverted spirit, along with counterfeit liquor bottles, labels, and packaging, were seized. Investigations uncovered an organised network diverting spirit under the pretext of industrial use, such as hand sanitizer production, for illicit liquor manufacturing. Two repeat offenders admitted to sourcing ethanol through a Telangana-based pharmaceutical firm that misused its RS-III licence and temporary Covid-era permissions. Supporting materials, including empty bottles, brand labels, and caps, were traced to Mumbai vendors, highlighting the interstate scope of the operation.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Hans India
Excise enforcement director reviews ‘Navodayam 2.0' implementation
Kurnool: The Director of State Excise Enforcement, Rahul Dev Sharma, conducted a comprehensive review on Thursday with excise officials of Kurnool district regarding the implementation of the 'Navodayam 2.0' initiative. The review meeting was held at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Excise in Kurnool. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, District Prohibition and Excise Officer (DPEO), and Assistant Excise Superintendents (AES). The Director assessed the performance of district officials and reviewed the progress of cases registered against illicit liquor, non-duty paid alcohol, and ganja trafficking in the region. He emphasized the need to implement Navodayam 2.0 in a well-structured and effective manner, with a collective effort to declare Kurnool as a 'Liquor-Free District.' As part of his inspection, Sharma also visited the district control room and examined the functioning of border check posts, urging officers to intensify surveillance and prevent the inflow of illicit liquor into the district. Later, he inspected the Regional Excise Laboratory, reviewed its operations and equipment, and directed that reports be promptly dispatched to concerned stations through special messengers. The Director also took a walk around the district office premises and participated in a plantation drive within the excise office compound. In a surprise move, he inspected the Madhavaram check post to examine on-ground vigilance measures. Accompanying the Director during the inspection were Deputy Commissioner Sridevi, Assistant Commissioner Hanumantha Rao, District Excise Officer Sudheer Babu, AES officers Rajasekhar Goud and Ramakrishna Reddy, and Circle Inspectors Rajendra Prasad, Jayaram Naidu, and Chandrahas.
