In the year 2023, Bihar recorded a total of 1.43 lakh arrests for violating the liquor prohibition law, marking a 16% decrease compared to the figures in 2022. The reduction in the number of arrests, however, comes amid a 19% increase in the seizure of illegal liquor during the same period.
As per the statement by ADG (HQ) Jitendra Singh Gangwar, the number of prohibition cases registered in 2023 was 72,060, showcasing a 25% decline from the 96,157 cases recorded in 2022. Despite the decrease in cases and arrests, the confiscation of illegal liquor witnessed a notable surge of 19%, indicating intensified efforts by Bihar police and the prohibition department.
Gangwar highlighted that of the total individuals sent to judicial custody in 2023, only 10% were consumers, while the majority (90%) were involved in the illicit trade as liquor traders, suppliers, and other mafias. Additionally, 52% of the prohibition law offenders were released after paying fines, and the remaining 48% were sent to judicial custody.
Furthermore, the authorities arrested 224 liquor mafias from other states in 2023, with Jharkhand leading the count with 75 arrests, followed by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh with 57 and 34 arrests, respectively.
Despite consistent efforts to curb illegal liquor trade, mafias, and smugglers, the state of Bihar faces ongoing challenges in achieving its goal of becoming alcohol-free. The authorities have deployed various tactics, including the use of drone cameras for surveillance in diara areas and dog squads from Telangana, to monitor rail and road routes.
