States » EastPosted at: Nov 7 2026 10:47PM


Bengal: Excise Department seals century-old liquor shop in Asansol after six-hour raid

Asansol, Nov 7 (UNI) A government-licensed liquor shop in Narsinghbandh, in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district, was sealed by the Excise Department on Saturday following a six-hour raid during which officials seized a large quantity of liquor.
The action came amid allegations that counterfeit liquor was being packaged inside the premises, though officials said this would be established only after the investigation is complete.
A team of 20 to 25 Excise Department officials arrived in five vehicles around 4:30 am on Saturday to conduct a six-hour raid at a government-licensed liquor shop.
The raid has triggered a commotion in the area, prompting residents to intensify their long-standing demand for the immediate and permanent closure or relocation of the shop. Locals alleged that fake liquor packaging was taking place inside the raided premises, though officials said this would be confirmed only after the investigation concludes.
The raid has reignited public anger against the outlet. Local resident Santosh Sharma said the shop disrupts the neighbourhood by operating from 6 am until midnight. Open consumption of alcohol around the premises routinely leads to fights and public abuse. Nearby families, particularly women, children and the elderly, face constant discomfort and safety concerns due to the unruly crowds.
Residents also pointed out that the shop is situated barely 10 metres from a primary school. Parents are deeply concerned about student safety and the social environment, as children, women and commuters have to navigate a road routinely crowded with intoxicated people.
Locals are demanding the relocation of the century-old liquor shop in Narsinghbandh, claiming it has become a major public nuisance in what is now a densely populated area.
Locals alleged that the shop routinely flouts official timings by selling alcohol from 6 am instead of adhering to the mandated 11 am to 9 pm schedule.
According to residents, the disturbances have increased significantly since a change in ownership three to four years ago. Despite the Excise Department conducting two separate raids on the premises, the alleged violations reportedly resumed within days of each action.
The shop was established 100 years ago, when the area was sparsely populated. However, rapid residential expansion has since surrounded the outlet with homes, schools and nursing homes.
Residents argue that operating under outdated historical terms is no longer appropriate and have appealed to the local MLA and State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal to intervene and relocate the shop to an isolated area.
UNI DC NST BM
Tags: #Bengal: Excise Department seals century-old liquor shop in Asansol after six-hour raid
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