The recent seizure of premium foreign liquor worth over ₹2.5 crore, allegedly smuggled into Goa from Haryana without valid transport permits, has not only exposed glaring loopholes in the enforcement of the Goa Excise Duty Act but has also triggered a political storm.
A political party has alleged that liquor is being smuggled both into and out of Goa, with the alleged connivance of officials within the Excise Department itself — a department that falls directly under the portfolio of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
These allegations cannot be taken lightly.
At stake is not just revenue loss to the state exchequer — which is already grappling with fiscal challenges — but also the credibility of the very institutions tasked with enforcing law and regulation.
When enforcement agencies are suspected of aiding or turning a blind eye to illegal activities, the rot runs deeper than isolated instances of corruption.
It suggests a systemic failure, perhaps even a well-oiled nexus.
It is particularly worrying that Goa, which has long enjoyed a reputation as a tourist paradise, could be turning into a corridor for liquor smuggling.
Liquor taxes in Goa are among the lowest in the country, making it a tempting source for smugglers to procure alcohol for resale in states with higher excise duties. This imbalance, while long known, was assumed to be under control due to stringent regulations and enforcement. Clearly, that assumption now needs a serious reassessment.
The demand that CM Pramod Sawant order a high-level probe is justified — not merely because he holds the Excise portfolio, but because the matter concerns the integrity of his administration.
While political parties may often use such incidents to score points, this is not a moment for political posturing. It is a moment for transparency, accountability, and swift action.
The Chief Minister must rise above partisan interests and order an impartial inquiry — preferably headed by a retired judge or a high-ranking officer not connected to the Excise Department.
This would not only lend credibility to the investigation but also send a clear message to the bureaucracy that corruption and negligence will not be tolerated. A departmental inquiry, conducted behind closed doors, will not suffice in this case.
The people of Goa deserve to know the truth, and the truth must be unearthed in full public view.
Equally important is the need to revisit and reform the transport permit system, which appears to have been repeatedly bypassed.
If liquor worth crores can be moved across state borders undetected, it raises uncomfortable questions about the checks in place at key entry and exit points. Are these lapses due to negligence, understaffing, or deliberate collusion? Only a full-scale investigation can answer that.
Moreover, the state must take proactive steps to improve digital tracking and audit trails for liquor distribution. Many states have adopted barcode-based tracking systems, RFID tags, and centralized digital records to monitor the movement of liquor. Goa must do the same — not as a reaction to this scandal, but as a long-overdue structural reform.
Ultimately, the buck stops with the leadership. If Chief Minister Sawant chooses to brush this under the rug, it will not only damage his credibility but also embolden those operating in the shadows. On the other hand, if he demonstrates the political will to act decisively, clean up the department, and plug the gaps, it could be a turning point for governance in the state.
The public is watching. Goa cannot afford to become a haven for illicit trade — not in liquor, not in anything. It is time for action, not just assurances.
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