Nagaland excise dept faces heat on Three Fronts

Kohima, June 16: The Nagaland Excise Department is facing mounting pressure from multiple fronts, with a liquor seizure by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), allegations of liquor sale during a Nagaland Super League (NSL) exhibition match, and an ongoing court challenge over excise constable recruitment placing the department under scrutiny.

Excise Commissioner H. Atokhe Aye on Tuesday confirmed that a preliminary inquiry has been initiated into allegations that liquor was sold during an NSL exhibition match, a potential violation of Nagaland’s prohibition laws. He said facts were being verified and action would be taken if any violations are established.

The department is also awaiting the outcome of a case before the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, where a group of candidates has challenged the recruitment process for 98 excise constable posts. Officials have stated that the matter is sub judice and further action will depend on the court’s verdict.

Adding to the department’s challenges, AYO recently intercepted a vehicle allegedly carrying Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and handed both the vehicle and driver over to excise authorities. The seized liquor has since been deposited in the departmental malkhana, with an investigation currently underway.

As questions continue to mount, the Excise Department has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and urged the public not to be influenced by unverified information while inquiries remain in progress.

Also Read: Meghalaya CM congratulates ANTF after Rs 9 lakh narcotics seizure, 3 traffickers arrested

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