Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The issue of illegal liquor trade and smuggling dominated proceedings in the Goa Assembly, with opposition MLAs targeting the government over alleged regulatory failures and enforcement lapses. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made a series of clarifications amid growing concerns surrounding duplicate and smuggled alcohol linked to Goa.
MLA Jit Arolkar alleged that duplicate alcohol manufactured in Goa is being illegally traded in neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. MLA Cruz Silva also flagged the presence of an underground liquor trade within Goa. Responding to these concerns, CM Sawant maintained, “There is no duplication of alcohol production in Goa. Such activities are not taking place within the state.”
The controversy deepened after a Nagaland-registered truck carrying smuggled liquor caught fire at Dhargal on NH66 on June 17. CM Sawant confirmed that the truck was transporting alcohol without a valid export license or permit. “The seized bottles were being supplied illegally. The factory source is still being verified. Once identified, we will seize stock, cancel the license, and suspend the responsible excise official,” the Chief Minister said.
MLA Venzy Viegas demanded accountability, questioning why the consignment was routed via Customs despite a local distributor being available. He also raised a separate case of a truck carrying illegal liquor bottles that overturned at Dhargal, Pernem, to highlight enforcement lapses.
In a significant admission, CM Sawant said the government has suspended an Excise Inspector for failing to act even as Goa-made alcohol was being smuggled into Gujarat. “The liquor scam is increasing day by day. Strict action is being taken,” he said.
To strengthen regulation, the state is considering the introduction of hologram stickers on all Goa-made liquor bottles. “This will help track supply and prevent diversion. I reiterate that no duplicate liquor is sold in the state,” CM said.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao launched a direct attack on the Excise Department, stating that 1,395 violations were recorded over the past five years, yet action was taken against only two inspectors. “Issuing mere show-cause notices won’t do,” he said, demanding concrete punitive measures.
In response, CM Sawant said that licences of the violators have been suspended and further departmental action would follow after show-cause proceedings are completed.
As opposition leaders continue to mount pressure and demand accountability, the liquor scam has emerged as a major issue in the Assembly, exposing serious gaps in monitoring and enforcement.
