Excise Dept accused of trying to open liquor vend despite ban in Changal viilage, Sangrur

Satyamev Jayate

SANGRUR: On a day Changal village became famous after it was featured by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan in his television show "Satyamev Jayte" for its self-imposed liquor prohibition, the villagers on Sunday alleged that the excise department was trying to open a liquor vend there.

The villagers of Changal, which removed its liquor vend two years back, said that the excise department has also registered a false case of smuggling in their village, which would make their case of opening the vend in the village stronger. 

People of Changal village, Sangrur interacting via video conferencing with host Amir Khan

"The excise department has registered a case of liquor smuggling in the village and are trying to deter us, but we are determined not to open vend even if authorities register more cases using tactical moves", said village sarpanch Paramjit Singh, who also got the chance to interact with Khan.

Paramjit said the excise authorities wanted to put forward the smuggling case for denying its no liquor vend resolution next year. The Punjab panchayati Raj Act states that, if the excise and taxation commissioner is of the opinion that illicit distillation or smuggling of alcohol has been carried on or connived at within two years preceding the date of passing of resolution, in such local area, such resolution shall not be binding upon.

Section 40 gives panchayats powers to go in for no liquor vend in the village. However, Sangrur assistant excise and taxation commissioner Darbara Singh denied using unfair means in registering liquor case. He said "every case related to liquor smuggling is registered only on merit".