500 Cases of Beer Bound for Sale in Punjab Seized in Kullu

Vehicle Carrying 7,200 Bottles Seized; FIR Registered at Bhuntar Police Station

Kullu, September 3: The Excise Department has seized 500 cases of beer being transported for sale in Punjab during a crackdown on illegal transportation and inter-state smuggling of liquor. The action was carried out near Jarad on the Kullu-Manali four-lane highway. The vehicle carrying the consignment was seized and an FIR was registered at Bhuntar Police Station.

The Excise Department team stopped a truck for inspection at around 7:40 am on September 3, 2026, near the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) at Jarad, during a routine naka and checking operation. A large quantity of beer was found inside the vehicle. The consignment was marked “For Sale in Punjab.”

The driver was asked to produce the required passes, permits and other valid documents for transportation of the liquor, but he failed to provide any satisfactory or valid documents. Preliminary investigation revealed that the beer had been designated for sale in Punjab.

The seized consignment comprised 294 cases of Tuborg Strong (650 ml), 100 cases of Budweiser Magnum (500 ml) and 106 cases of Kingfisher Strong (650 ml). In total, 500 cases containing 4,800 bottles of 650 ml and 2,400 bottles of 500 ml were seized, taking the total to 7,200 bottles.

The operation was conducted by a team comprising Suresh Sharma, Assistant State Taxes and Excise Officer, Kullu; Gangaram, Assistant State Taxes and Excise Officer, Banjar Circle; Ashok Kumar, Excise Police Constable; and driver Suresh Kumar.

Following departmental action, an FIR was registered at Bhuntar Police Station, and the case was handed over to the police for further legal action and investigation. The seized liquor and vehicle have been taken into custody as per the prescribed procedure. Necessary action is being taken under Section 39(1) of the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011.

The Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes and Excise, Kullu, said the department’s campaign against the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of liquor would continue. He said revenue evasion and illegal transportation or trade of liquor in Himachal Pradesh would not be tolerated under any circumstances, and strict action would be taken against those found involved in such activities.

Appreciating the alertness and prompt action of the departmental officers and staff, he said inspection and enforcement drives would continue to effectively curb the illegal liquor trade.