Why Did the ED Conduct Raids in Bihar's Illegal Liquor Case?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has taken decisive action against illegal liquor supply chains in Bihar, executing raids across multiple states and seizing over Rs 75 lakh. This crackdown raises critical questions on the effectiveness of prohibition laws in the region and the extensive networks involved in illicit trade.
Key Takeaways
- The ED conducted raids in multiple states related to illegal liquor supply in Bihar.
- Over Rs 75.6 lakh was seized during these operations.
- Prohibition laws in Bihar have proven to be ineffective against illegal liquor trade.
- Significant smuggling routes have been identified, linking several states.
- The illegal liquor trade is a multi-crore industry, raising concerns over public health and safety.
Patna, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate's Patna Zonal Office executed search operations across seven locations in Gurugram, Ranchi, Naharlagun, Namsai, and Muzaffarpur as part of an investigation into a case involving illegal liquor supply in Bihar.
As per an official announcement, these raids resulted in the recovery of Rs 75.6 lakh in cash, in addition to various incriminating documents, materials, and digital devices.
The ED's investigation was triggered by multiple FIRs and charge sheets submitted by the Bihar Police under the Indian Penal Code against M/s Sunil Bhardwaj and others.
Investigative findings indicated that Sunil Bhardwaj runs M/s Kala AMB Brewery and Distillery Pvt. Ltd. based in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and in collusion with his accomplice Dorjee Phuntso Khrime from Arunachal Pradesh, established multiple entities to obtain licenses for distilleries and liquor outlets in Arunachal Pradesh.
The ED claims that these facilities, which were meant for lawful sales within Arunachal Pradesh, were actually utilized to funnel liquor into Bihar and other states, breaching prohibition regulations.
The agency also reported that the accused individuals utilized these entities to open numerous bank accounts to collect payments from buyers, consequently generating substantial amounts of Proceeds of Crime.
Earlier, on December 5, 2023, the ED had attached properties valued at Rs 9.31 crore in connection with the same case, followed by a prosecution complaint filed on May 19, 2025.
Bihar has imposed total prohibition since April 2016, yet authorities indicate that a significant share of the illicit supply originates from Haryana, Punjab, and several northeastern states.
An official from Bihar's liquor prohibition department noted that liquor smuggling prominently occurs along the Siliguri-Purnea-Darbhanga-Gopalganj-Lucknow-Delhi national highway, with its supply chain extending into every district.
Moreover, the Delhi-Kolkata National Highway 19 (GT Road) serves as a major route for liquor smuggling into Bihar.
The illegal liquor trade is estimated to be worth over Rs 20,000 crore annually.
Point of View
The ongoing battle against illegal liquor trade in Bihar highlights a broader issue of enforcement and compliance. Despite stringent prohibition laws, the persistence of illegal operations reflects a systemic failure that requires urgent attention. The ED's actions are a necessary step in restoring faith in governance and safeguarding public health.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's raids in Bihar?
The Enforcement Directorate initiated the raids based on multiple FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Bihar Police against individuals involved in illegal liquor supply.
How much cash was seized during the raids?
The ED seized a total of Rs 75.6 lakh in cash along with various incriminating materials.
What is the scale of illegal liquor trade in Bihar?
The illegal liquor trade in Bihar is estimated to be worth over Rs 20,000 crore annually, despite total prohibition in the state.
Which regions are primarily involved in liquor smuggling into Bihar?
Illegal liquor is primarily smuggled into Bihar from states like Haryana, Punjab, and several northeastern states.
What actions have been taken by the ED in this case previously?
Earlier, the ED attached properties worth Rs 9.31 crore related to this case and filed a prosecution complaint.
