Action Taken Against Illegal Hand Furnace Centers Amid Heavy Rains; Goods Worth Rs. 20.45 Lakh Seized.

Mumbai : Exploiting the heavy rains, illegal hand furnace operators set up numerous unregistered kilns in Desai village, Shantinagar, Sarlabe, Gorpe village, Kumbharli village, Bhiwandi, and other areas in Thane district. The State Excise Department’s special team conducted raids on these illicit centers during the downpour.

In this operation, 22 cases were registered and 13 arrests were made. The team destroyed a total of 142 liters of hand furnace liquor and 53,000 liters of chemicals and other materials, amounting to a value of Rs. 20,45,470.

Under the guidance of State Excise Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, a rigorous campaign is underway to eradicate hand-baked alcohol. Divisional Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Pawar coordinated the operation with inspectors from Konkan Division, Bharari Squad Thane, Dombivli, Ambernath, and Bhiwandi. The operation included destroying around 200 drums of chemicals at hand-fired liquor manufacturing sites, with some sites being raided via boats in the bay area.

Those involved in operating illegal hand-baked liquor manufacturing facilities are being identified and booked under Section 328. Deputy Commissioner Pawar confirmed that efforts will continue to combat these illegal activities.