From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, June 26: The Excise department of Ri-Bhoi, with assistance from the Assam Excise department, conducted a successful raid on an illegal liquor production facility in Rajabagan village, Byrnihat, on Tuesday evening.
The raid was initiated following a tip-off to the Ri-Bhoi Excise department, indicating that some factories in the Byrnihat area were operating without necessary licenses or government approval from Meghalaya.
During the raid, officials discovered active liquor manufacturing and packaging operations. Twelve employees and two supervisors were arrested at the scene.
The Headman of Rajabagan village, Anant Timung, expressed surprise at the revelation, stating that the factory, which had previously produced cashew nuts, had been shut down since 2018. He confirmed that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been issued by the village since then and that he had no knowledge of its illegal activities.
Superintendent of Excise for Ri-Bhoi, RC Lyngdoh, stated that the raid was based on credible information regarding the factory’s illicit activities. He noted that the facility was producing liquor intended for distribution in Assam and Meghalaya without proper authorisation.
Lyngdoh emphasised that operating such an illegal facility not only violates the law but also results in significant revenue losses for the government. He assured that those involved would face strict legal action under the provisions of the Excise Act.