Allegations of illegal drinking spaces, or ahatas, operating around liquor shops in Bhopal have sparked concern after videos reportedly showing such establishments surfaced on social media.
The claims have also raised questions over enforcement by the Excise Department, particularly after the recent spurious-liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district.
Viral Videos Raise Questions
Videos circulating on social media allegedly show people consuming liquor at unauthorised drinking spaces in Bhopal. The authenticity and exact location of the videos would need to be verified by authorities.
Under Madhya Pradesh’s excise policy, unauthorised ahatas are prohibited. Officials have recently been directed to take action against such establishments.
Government Orders Crackdown
Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Jagdish Devda recently directed officials to shut down illegal ahatas across the state.
He also warned that licence holders and officials found ignoring violations could face strict action. The directive came after the Sagar spurious-liquor tragedy.
Sagar Liquor Tragedy Raises Concern
The issue has gained added significance following the deaths linked to suspected spurious liquor in Sagar district earlier in September.
Official figures reported by Hindustan Times put the death toll at 16, while a judicial commission was later constituted to investigate the deaths, including the possible role or negligence of excise, police and other officials.
Investigators have also traced the suspected supply of counterfeit liquor to a network allegedly operating from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.
Action Against Excise Officials
Following the Sagar tragedy, several Excise Department officials were suspended, while the government ordered further investigation into the illegal liquor network.
Focus Now on Bhopal
With videos alleging illegal drinking spaces now circulating from Bhopal, questions are being raised over whether unauthorised ahatas are still operating despite the government’s crackdown.
Authorities will need to verify the viral footage, identify the locations involved and determine whether any excise rules have been violated.