Himachal Pradesh excise department on Tuesday said action would be taken against illegal liquor suppliers across the state to curb the illegal trade of liquor ahead of the Lok Sabha poll.

Commissioner of State Tax and Excise, Dr. Yunus said his officers have started an extensive campaign in view of Lok Sabha elections.

Around twenty-two inter-state checkpoints and 59 mobile teams have been formed in various districts.

Various teams of the department have made preparations to take strict action against people doing illegal liquor business in border areas, illegal routes and within the state.

He said the department would ensure free and fair elections in Himachal Pradesh.

All teams have been instructed to remain alert for round-the-clock action so that a zero-tolerance policy can be ensured in cases of illicit liquor and tax evasion.

Informing about the initiatives taken by the government, he said that preparations are being made to curb the sale of illicit liquor and to stop offering gifts or precious metals and jewelery to woo voters.

He said so far in this financial year, 16,718 litres of illicit liquor have been seized in various districts and 1,15,666 liters of liquor have been destroyed by taking action as per Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011. 

(With UNI inputs)