Rangat, May 22: An illegal liquor manufacturing unit operating from a dense forest area in Shaktigarh under Rangat was busted following a targeted search operation, leading to the seizure of illicit liquor and destruction of raw brewing material, officials said.
Acting on specific inputs, a team from Police Station Rangat conducted a search operation in the forested stretch of Shaktigarh on May 21, 2026. During the raid, authorities recovered a significant quantity of illicit liquor from an accused person, identified as a local resident of the area.
Further searches in the surrounding forest led to the discovery of a concealed hut being used for illegal brewing activities. Inside the structure, officials found approximately 120 litres of Lahan, a fermented raw substance used in the production of country liquor, along with other materials and equipment associated with the distillation process.
The recovered Lahan and brewing apparatus were destroyed at the site in accordance with prescribed legal procedures. Authorities confirmed that the destruction was carried out to prevent further misuse and continuation of the illicit activity in the area.
A case has been registered at Rangat Police Station under relevant provisions of the Excise Regulation, and further investigation is currently underway to establish the full extent of the operation and identify any additional individuals involved.
The discovery highlights the continued presence of illegal liquor manufacturing activities in remote and forested regions, posing regulatory and public safety concerns. Such operations often evade detection due to their location and informal setup, making enforcement challenging.
Officials indicated that enforcement actions will continue to target similar unlawful activities in the region. The focus remains on monitoring remote pockets and preventing the spread of unregulated liquor production.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal brewing or other offences to the nearest police station. Information can also be shared via emergency helplines 100, 112, or 03192-273344, with assurances that the identity of informers will be kept confidential as per procedure.
The case marks another instance of enforcement action against illicit liquor production in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where authorities continue to address violations under excise laws through periodic search operations.
