Excise raids in Raigad net 45 cases of illegal liquor during Ganeshotsav
State excise department seized liquor and equipment worth over Rs 9 lakh and arrested 28 people in a week-long drive across Raigad district.
The State Excise Department launched a special drive to curb the sale of illegal liquor and country-made liquor (hatbhatti daru) in Raigad district during Ganeshotsav. From September 14 to 20, 2026, department teams carried out action across the district for seven days. A total of 45 cases were registered and 28 accused were arrested during the drive, in which goods worth Rs 9,07,865 were seized.
Ganeshotsav sees a large movement of devotees along with events organised by public mandals and celebrations at various locations, which is why the excise department paid special attention this time to stopping the sale of illegal liquor in the district. Department teams took action against sites making hatbhatti daru, outlets selling illegal liquor and those illegally transporting liquor.
The drive led to the seizure of 422 litres of gavthi daru and about 14,600 litres of chemicals used in liquor production. Besides this, 59.58 bulk litres of country liquor and 60.18 bulk litres of foreign liquor were also seized. The department also seized a vehicle being used to transport illegal liquor.
Special teams conducted inspections and action to stop the sale of illegal liquor during Ganeshotsav. The department said such action against the illegal manufacture, sale and transport of liquor during the festival would continue in the future as well.
Citizens with any information about spurious liquor, liquor sold evading government tax or excise duty, or the manufacture, transport or sale of hatbhatti daru in Raigad have been urged to inform the State Excise Department on its toll-free number 1800 233 9999. The department has made clear that the identity of the informant will be kept completely confidential.
