Bihar DGP blames thanedars and chaukidars for liquor smuggling in 'dry' state

PATNA: Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey stirred a controversy when he held thanedars (in-charge of police stations) and chaukidars (village informers)—two grass root level functionaries of the state administration--responsible for smuggling of illicit liquor in ‘dry’ state.
Pandey, known for his controversial statements, said at a function in Aurangabad on Sunday, that the prohibition in the state would be a complete success only when the two---thanedars and the chaukidars— would support the drive of the police against rampant liquor smuggling across the state.
The DGP said the liquor was sold and transported from one place to another with the tacit support of the in-charge of the police stations concerned and the chaukidars in the villages and panchayats. “If they are not aware of the happenings around—whether good or bad--under their jurisdiction, they have no right to continue at their respective posts,” he told the gathering amid thunderous applause from the audience.
The DGP said that the bootleggers can’t operate without the support of the police. “The quantum of recovery of consignment of alcohol being smuggled in the state from outside in the last four years has indicated that a well-oil syndicate is active. There is an urgent need to strike at the root of the problem,” he said, adding that the erring cops won’t be spared.
He also issued stern warning to people for violating provisions of the Bihar Excise and Prohibition Act 2016. “Those cops found to be lax in implementing the provisions of prohibition will be sent to jail. Responding to a question, the DGP said, “Kanoon sabke liye barabar hai (all are equal in the eyes of law).”
Reacting to the DGP’s statement, Bihar Police Association state president Mritunjay Kumar Singh said that it was true that some policemen were involved in liquor sale. “Action should be taken against erring cops. But the entire police force should not be blamed or questioned and that too from a public forum,” he added.
Prohibition was invoked in the state in April 2016.