Assam government to inquire into revenue loss due to illegal liquor trade

GUWAHATI: Assam government today said the excise department will conduct an inquiry into the alleged annual revenue loss of Rs 1,000 crore due to illegal trade of liquor.

Replying to the issue raised by Asom Gana Parishad MLA Phani Bhusan Choudhury, Excise Minister Ajit Singh said in the Assembly that he will order a departmental inquiry into the allegation of tax evasion and illegal trading of liquor.

"If anything wrong has taken place, we will take action," Singh said.

Earlier, Choudhury alleged that the state exchequer has been incurring Rs 1,000 crore loss annually due to illegal trade of liquor.

Among many issues, the MLA pointed out that the system of tax collection is faulty and false permits are issued by corrupt officials.