Excise Dept ‘involved in bribery’
NONGPOH: In a sudden raid conducted by members of the Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF), Nongpoh Circle, on Tuesday at Pahamrioh, 5km from Nongpoh, 100 litres of illegal liquor was seized from a private vehicle (ML 05 L 6394) driven by one Dransing Lyngdoh Nonglait hailing from Tihbah village, Sohiong, East Khasi Hills.
As per information received, the consignment was meant to supply to one Leader Lawai of Pahamrioh, who is also allegedly involved in selling the illegal local liquor in the area.
During the RBYF’s investigation of the vehicle it was discovered that personnel belonging to the Excise Department had been paid well by the supplier in order to pave the way for them to supply the illegal liquor to different parts of the district.
The main supplier is known as Kwing Nongbri of Sohiong, alleged the RBYF after its questioning of the driver and those detained with him – Johny Jana and Emsi Mawlong. Nongbri is involved in supplying liquor to other areas of Nongpoh, such as Karbalu, Marngar and Pahamrioh, it was alleged.
The federation has been keeping an eye on the illegal trade, according to president Y Nongrum, for some time. After receiving inputs about the consignment, the leaders of the NGO laid a trap and seized the vehicle carrying the liquor at Pahamrioh.
“It is deeply concerning that personnel from the Excise Department have been involved in bribing the suppliers of the illegal liquor just to pave the way for them in this business.
The federation has slammed the department and also urged higher authorities to investigate the matter and take action against those involved,” Nongrum said. Nongrum reiterated that the RBYF had also condemned the Dorbar Shnong of several villages who had failed to keep a check on the springing up of illegal shops involved in selling illegal liquor that also poses a threat to the lives of the youth in such areas. He added that the federation will continue its operation to eradicate the menace of illegal liquor in the district.
