Pune Excise Department Boosts Revenue by 9.85% Amid Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade
The State Excise Department in Pune district has ramped up its enforcement efforts against the illegal production, transport, and sale of alcohol during the fiscal year 2024-25. Alongside this crackdown, the department has recorded a 9.85% increase in revenue over the previous year.
Dilip Shekhawat
Pune, April 10, 2025 – In Direction of Excise Commissioner Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh (IAS), Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi (IAS), Divisional Deputy Commissioner Sagar Dhomkar, and Excise Superintendent C.S. Rajput, the department collected ₹2,998.33 crore in revenue, a significant rise from ₹2,729.44 crore in 2023-24.
Superintendent: Pune Excise
Sharp Rise in Enforcement Cases
From April 2024 to March 2025, authorities registered 5,995 cases involving illicit alcohol operations. This led to the arrest of 5,891 individuals and the seizure of 621 vehicles, with total confiscated goods valued at ₹25.80 crore. This marks a substantial increase from the 3,988 cases, 3,604 arrests, and ₹18.47 crore in seizures recorded the previous year — reflecting a 40% spike in enforcement activity.
Targeted Action on Repeat Offenders
Under the provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, the department filed 577 proposals against habitual offenders. In addition, 299 good conduct bonds worth ₹2.18 crore were executed. One persistent offender was also detained under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, 1981.
Strict Supervision of Licensed Premises
Authorities have also increased oversight on licensed liquor outlets, initiating 569 departmental actions for violations. As a result, four licenses were permanently cancelled and fines totaling ₹1.86 crore were collected.
Crackdown on Unauthorized Consumption
In an effort to discourage drinking at unlicensed spots, 455 cases were registered under Sections 68 and 84 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act against both sellers and drinkers. A total of 1,250 individuals were apprehended, and fines exceeding ₹8.19 lakh were imposed by the courts. Officials believe this two-pronged strategy will help curb illegal alcohol consumption in the district.
Exilant work, never before,