Patna, Mar 5 (IANS): The Liquor Prohibition Department of the Bihar police has shifted the Bypass police station here to a warehouse, which was once used for storage of illicit liquor, in violation of the prohibition laws.

The LPD seized a huge cache of liquor worth Rs 2 crore from the warehouse situated on the Patna bypass road, a fortnight ago. Since then, it has been confiscated and is in the department's possession.

The Bihar government on February 5, decided to confiscate and auction properties, which were being used for liquor storage in the state.

Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Divisional Commissioner of Patna, had directed all the District Magistrates , Senior Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police to take action against the liquor mafias and seal those properties used for illicit liquor trade, which will go under the hammer soon.

"We have taken the decision to shift the Bypass police station to this warehouse following an order. For a common man, possession of properties could be a difficult task, despite cancellations and registry followed by auction of properties. Keeping this in mind, we have moved the police station to this warehouse to give a strong message to the mafias," Agarwal said.

Earlier, the Bypass police station was operational from a temple. The police personnel have lauded the new development. Many of them even claimed that it is a far better barrack than the temple.

"The motive of such a move is to penalise illegal traders and mafias involved in liquor smuggling, storage and sale in Bihar," officials added.

Bihar has witnessed an unprecedented spike in the liquor trade over the past few months. After the formation of the new state government, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been drawing flak over his failure to curb the liquor trade.