Mumbai: In the run-up to the BMC elections, illicit liquor trade saw a spike—allegedly fuelled by demand from political operatives keen on mobilising voters in slum pockets. Data from the first 12 days of Jan shows the poll season triggered a rise in liquor-related crimes, with enforcement agencies scrambling to keep pace.Between Jan 1-12 this year, 97 liquor-related offences were registered in Mumbai compared to 34 during the corresponding period last year. A total of 122 accused were arrested this year compared to 34 last Jan. Excise department officials TOI spoke to said the increase mirrors intense ground-level campaigning, where alcohol continues to be used as an inducement despite poll norms. As much as 301 bulk litres (BL) of country liquor—often the cheapest and most commonly distributed lure in slum clusters—was seized this poll season compared to 34 BL during first 12 days of Jan last year. Likewise, toddy and IMFL seizures saw a spike too. A senior officer with excise vigilance said most recoveries were linked to night-time movements ahead of local meetings and rallies. State excise officials said heightened surveillance, tip-offs and joint drives with excise authorities have contributed to higher detection, but acknowledged that the surge also reflects increased circulation. “Election periods invariably see a spike in illegal liquor movement. Candidates and their intermediaries try to stock up in advance to avoid detection closer to polling day,” an officer said.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/in-run-up-to-polls-liquor-linked-crimes-seizures-hit-a-high/articleshow/126532759.cms