Chirang Excise Officials Suspended After ₹50 Lakh Illegal Liquor Factory Raid

In a decisive action underscoring the importance of accountability and administrative vigilance, the Assam government has suspended two senior excise officials from Chirang district — Superintendent of Excise Gouranga Choudhury and Excise Inspector Dibyajyoti Sharma — with immediate effect. The suspension was ordered in response to serious lapses in duty, particularly their failure to detect and prevent the operation of a major illegal liquor manufacturing unit in their jurisdiction.

The issue came to light following a high-profile raid conducted on June 19 in the Shantipur area, located along the strategically sensitive India-Bhutan border in Chirang district. The operation was carried out by a joint task force comprising excise officers from the neighbouring Bongaigaon district and a special enforcement team from Guwahati. Notably, the raid was executed without informing the Chirang excise department, which raised eyebrows and prompted questions about internal coordination and oversight.

During the raid, authorities uncovered a large-scale illegal liquor factory and seized spurious alcohol and raw materials valued at around ₹50 lakh. The counterfeit liquor was being packaged under the guise of popular branded labels, posing not only a serious public health risk but also causing a significant revenue loss to the state exchequer. The magnitude of the operation, and the fact that it had gone undetected by local authorities, led to intense scrutiny of the role and effectiveness of the Chirang excise officials.

Following the raid, the Assam Governor approved suspension orders for both Choudhury and Sharma. The order cited gross dereliction of duty and held the officials responsible for failing to monitor and control illicit liquor activities in their assigned area. According to the official directive, their inaction allowed such illegal establishments to thrive and continue operations unchecked, which has both law enforcement and public safety implications.

The suspension has sent ripples through the state’s excise and administrative departments. It has triggered widespread discussion among public health officials, law enforcement personnel, and administrative observers about the persistent challenge posed by the illegal liquor trade in Assam. Experts have pointed out that such illegal setups are not only detrimental to revenue but also endanger the lives of countless citizens who may consume adulterated liquor.

This incident has highlighted the urgent need for stronger inter-district coordination, more robust enforcement mechanisms, and heightened vigilance by local officials. The fact that the raid had to be carried out by teams from other districts without notifying the local department reveals systemic issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Going forward, the state government is expected to review its policies and enforcement strategies related to excise operations. There may also be increased emphasis on intelligence gathering, surprise inspections, and cross-district collaboration to curb the growing menace of illicit liquor production and distribution in Assam. The suspension of the Chirang officials serves as a stern warning to others in similar roles and marks a renewed focus on accountability in public service.