No Change Planned in Bihar's Alcohol Ban, Says Minister Amid Smuggling Crackdown

Bihar's full prohibition, imposed in 2016, continues unabated, according to a statement from Excise Minister Madan Sahni. He emphasized that there is no proposal to modify or lift the ban at this time.

The minister also detailed a widened enforcement strategy: legal action will now target not only the smuggler, driver or vehicle but also the liquor brand and the company that manufactures the seized product.

Investigations show that a large share of contraband liquor still flows from West Bengal, Jharkhand and Haryana. Smugglers employ various transport methods, including trucks, pickups and light commercial vehicles, often masking the cargo to avoid detection.

A newer challenge is the local blending of raw spirit purchased in bulk. Criminal groups create counterfeit brands inside Bihar, prompting authorities to scrutinize brand names during seizures to map the full supply network.

The recent incident at the Dalakhala checkpoint in Purnia, where a scanning operator was allegedly implicated, highlights vulnerabilities in border monitoring. The department assured that the case is under active review and that any breach will be dealt with according to law.