Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 19: In a scathing attack on the state administration, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday alleged that the illegal smuggling of liquor from Goa to other states is causing a staggering annual loss of over Rs 7,000 crore. State Congress president Amit Patkar claimed that on a daily basis, nearly ten trucks loaded with liquor valued at around Rs 2 crore are illegally transported across the Patradevi border, en route to states like Gujarat.

Highlighting the recent incident where a liquor-laden truck caught fire at Dhargalim, Patkar said, “Despite being registered with the transport department, the police and excise officials claim ignorance about the ownership of the vehicle. How is that even possible?”

Patkar slammed the excise department for lacking any proper surveillance or mechanism to trace or stop trucks transporting illegally manufactured and bottled liquor from the state. “It’s been 36 hours since the incident, and no substantial action has been taken. Neither the police, excise department, nor the Enforcement Directorate has responded,” he said.

Calling the smuggling operation a "national threat", the Congress party has now demanded an immediate statement from the Chief Minister, seeking clarity on the source and destination of the illicit liquor.

Patkar warned that if authorities fail to respond by Thursday, the Congress will intensify its agitation and gherao the office of the Excise Commissioner.

The party also questioned the silence of law enforcement and transport officials, alleging complicity or gross negligence. “This level of illegal activity cannot happen without the knowledge or support of some officials. The government must answer,” Patkar said.

The opposition has now thrown the ball in the state government’s court, calling for accountability and a crackdown on what it describes as a deeply entrenched and lucrative liquor smuggling network.