Patna, April 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department of Bihar has released a comprehensive report highlighting the robust implementation of the state’s liquor prohibition law.
Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, who also holds charge of the Prohibition Department, said that between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2026, a total of 1,137,731 cases related to liquor prohibition were registered in the state.
Out of these, 560,639 cases were registered by the Excise Department, while 577,092 cases were lodged by the police.
“During this ten-year period, 1,718,058 individuals were arrested in connection with prohibition-related offences. In terms of seizures, authorities confiscated a total of 48.3 million litres of liquor, which included 24.2 million litres of country liquor and 24 million litres of foreign liquor,” Yadav said.
Notably, around 98 per cent of the seized liquor, amounting to approximately 47.3 million litres, has already been destroyed by the authorities.
From January 2022 to March 2026, enforcement of liquor prohibition in Bihar saw intensified surveillance and operations across multiple fronts.
“During this period, over 164,000 drone-assisted raids were conducted, resulting in the registration of 8,834 cases and the arrest of 5,090 individuals. Simultaneously, more than 80,000 raids were carried out using motorboats in waterways and diara (riverine) regions. These operations led to the seizure of over 1.6 million litres of liquor, highlighting focused action in hard-to-reach areas,” Yadav said.
Between January 2023 and March 2026, 178,000 cases were registered at various check posts, leading to the arrest of 292,000 individuals.
During the same period, 12,391 vehicles were seized at these checkpoints.
In total, over 167,000 vehicles have been seized in prohibition-related cases. Of these, 80,207 vehicles were auctioned, generating approximately Rs 357.21 crore in revenue.
Additionally, 25,232 vehicles were released upon payment of fines, contributing another Rs 101.24 crore to the state exchequer.
Regarding judicial outcomes, over 50 per cent of cases registered in Special Excise Courts have been disposed of so far.
Notably, in 99 per cent of these disposed cases, the accused were convicted and sentenced, reflecting a high rate of successful prosecution.
In close coordination with the police, the department continues to carry out intensive operations against the illegal manufacture, smuggling, sale and consumption of liquor.
“A total of 84 check posts -- including 67 inter-state check posts -- have been established. These checkpoints operate round the clock and are equipped with CCTV surveillance systems. Vehicles are thoroughly inspected using handheld scanners to prevent the movement of illicit liquor,” he said.
He added that 80 Excise Police Stations are actively functioning, employing modern tools such as drones, motorboats, sniffer dogs and breath analysers to enhance enforcement capabilities.
Under the government’s ‘Chief Minister Neera Promotion Scheme’ (Mukhyamantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana), the minister said efforts are being made to promote Neera as a healthier and lawful alternative to traditional palm toddy.
During the 2025 palm season, a total of 20.2 million litres of Neera were produced, of which approximately 20 million litres were sold, reflecting strong adoption and market demand.
The scheme currently engages 9,142 palm tappers and 9,712 tree owners, providing them with a sustainable source of livelihood.
In parallel, under the ‘Sustainable Livelihood Scheme’ (Satat Jivikoparjan Yojana), 45,994 families previously associated with the liquor and toddy trade have been rehabilitated and connected to alternative employment opportunities.
These families have received financial assistance amounting to Rs 195.50 crore, supporting their transition to stable and lawful income sources.
The department said that through the integration of modern technology, strict surveillance mechanisms and continuous enforcement drives, the liquor prohibition law is being implemented effectively across the state.
Source: IANS
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