Liquor Syndicate Tightens Grip In Khargone, Liquor At Higher-Than-Authorised Prices Throughout The District | FPJ
Khargone (Madhya Pradesh): A powerful liquor syndicate is attempting to control alcohol sales across Khargone district, with 10 out of 17 local liquor sellers already joining their ranks. The syndicate’s main goal appears to be selling liquor at higher-than-authorised prices throughout the district.
In Kasrawad area, liquor shops are already selling alcohol above government-fixed rates, suggesting these sellers have caved in to syndicate pressure. Meanwhile, the excise department employees are suspiciously monitoring government liquor shops in Maheshwar Circle, where sellers have refused to join the syndicate.
Former Sarpanch Balran Mandloi from Kharari village claims that the excise staff are harassing customers outside a liquor shop near Maheshwar, advising them to drink at home.
The pressure seems designed to iron out resistance from independent sellers. According to sources, the Excise Department has deployed staff specifically to pressure reluctant sellers in Maheshwar Circle, creating difficulties throughout the day. Reports suggest department officials are even telling illegal sellers they can bring liquor from Kasrawad or Barwah without facing consequences.
Localite Shyam Mewari revealed a quarter bottle of country liquor selling for Rs 85 in Kasrawad (Rs 10 above the fixed rate) and for Rs 120 when transported to Maheshwar, compared to Rs 75 at authorised Maheshwar shops.
Kasrawad circle officer Om Malviya claimed ignorance when questioned. Sources indicate two district contractors from Gogawan and Jhirnya Group have already burned out under pressure and abandoned their shops. Gaurav Jaiswal is reportedly positioned to lead the syndicate, with powerful connections in Bhopal.
If successful, the syndicate would control pricing throughout the district and potentially smuggle liquor into neighbouring Gujarat, a dry state. Similar syndicates already operate in border districts like Jhabua, Dhar, Barwani, Alirajpur and Ratlam. However, District Excise Officer Satyanarayan Dubey denies any syndicate formation, claiming special monitoring in Maheshwar and Mandleshwar is due to their religious significance.
