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Informers help catch contraband booze brigade in Bihar
PATNA: The crackdown on liquor smugglers and those consuming alcohol in Bihar continues, with some help from citizens who have turned informers for the department of excise and prohibition.
Sources in the department said they received tip-offs from a number of informers, who have been asked to keep a watch over the illegal liquor trade.
“They also get rewarded for it. In fact, a fund like the secret service (SS) fund, which was earlier largely unused, is getting spent. We reward credible information,” a source said.
These tip-offs have also helped the police make several recoveries across the state that is under total prohibition since April 5.
However, excise officials say though arrests and recoveries are made every day, people still devise new ways to hoodwink authorities.
Officials admit that despite increase in vigilance, black marketing in the booze market continues unabated.
However, another official appeared optimistic. He said though liquor was still being transported across the state, the fear of getting caught had sunk in.
Principal secretary of the department, KK Pathak, said credible information was reaching the department from various sources on a regular basis and action was taken accordingly.
“We reward informers and there is no dearth of funds for that. Many people also give information voluntarily. The intelligence network will only be strengthened further in the coming days,” he added.