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Gwalior. The Excise Commissioner, Madhya Pradesh has taken a major administrative step in a serious criminal case related to fake liquor transport permit and supply of illegal liquor. After the conviction by Additional Sessions Judge Depalpur, all the major excise licenses of Som Distilleries Private Limited, Sehatganj (Raisen) and Som Distilleries and Breweries Limited, Rozrachak (Raisen) have been suspended with immediate effect.
This order was issued by Excise Commissioner Abhijeet Aggarwal on 04 February 2026.
Fake permits, forged documents and criminal conspiracy proved. In the decision passed by Additional Sessions Judge Depalpur on 23 December 2023 in session case number 21/2021 (filing number 975/2021), it was proved that the accused together prepared forged permits and bills for the transportation of liquor and used the fake permits by passing them off as genuine, causing revenue loss to the government and causing undue benefit to the company. The court ruled against M/s Som Distilleries. Many accused including group representatives, authorized signatories and directors have been punished with imprisonment and fine.
High Court stays sentence but not license
It was argued by the units that the High Court, Division Bench Indore has stayed the execution of the sentence.
However, the Excise Commissioner’s office clarified that the punishment has not been cancelled, there is no ban on license suspension, the conviction order of the subordinate court remains intact. This conclusion was reached after reviewing the opinion received from the Advocate General and the High Court orders.
Violation of serious sections of the Excise Act
The Excise Commissioner said in his order that this matter—
Section 31(1)(b) – Breach of license conditions
Section 31(1)(c) – Conviction of an offense
Section 44 – Responsibility of the licensee for the acts of the servants
is clearly punishable under.
These licenses were suspended
Som Distilleries Private Limited, Sehatganj (Raisen)
D-1 FL-9
CS-1 (various serial numbers), CS-1B
Som Distilleries & Breweries Limited, Rozrachak (Raisen):
FL-9A OF B-3 FL-9A OF B-3
All the licenses have been suspended under Section 31(1) of the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act, 1915.
Excise department also fell in trouble
Action has also been taken against the government officials found involved in this matter. Excise sub-inspector Preeti Gaikwad has been dismissed from service. Proposals for departmental action against other retired officers have been sent to the government.
Biggest action against illegal liquor network in the state
This order is considered to be the most stringent administrative action taken so far against illegal liquor, fake permits and organized criminal activities in the state. The Excise Department has clearly indicated that no relief will be given to licensees at any level in cases of conviction.
