Fake Liquor Permits: Mumbai Police Book Man For Impersonating Excise Agent

Fake Liquor Permits Mumbai: The Mumbai police have registered a case against a man for impersonating an agent of the Maharashtra Excise Department and providing counterfeit one-day liquor permits to residents of a high-profile condominium in Andheri. The scam came to light after the Excise Department received a tip-off and confirmed the forgery through an investigation.

The suspect, identified as Vijay Arun Sangdhar, allegedly facilitated the issuance of fake permits for eight parties organized by residents of the Windsor Grande Condominium between February and December 2024. A case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating, impersonation, and forgery.

Details Of The Fake Liquor Permit Scam

The incident has raised serious concerns about the misuse of liquor permit regulations and the potential loss of revenue for the Maharashtra government.

1. How The Scam Was Carried Out?:
   • Vijay Arun Sangdhar approached residents of Windsor Grande Condominium, posing as an Excise Department agent.
   • He collected money from the residents and handed them counterfeit one-day liquor permits.
   • These permits were used by residents to organize eight parties at the condominium, five of which involved fake permits.
2. Investigation By The Excise Department:
   • A tip-off led the department to investigate permits issued in Jogeshwari and Andheri West.
   • Officials confirmed that fake permits were issued for events at Windsor Grande Condominium, located near Mega Mall on the Andheri-Malad Link Road.
3. Government Regulations On Liquor Permits:
   • Temporary one-day liquor permits, or Form FL-4A, are issued under the Maharashtra State Prohibition Act, 1949.
   • The permits can only be approved by the district collector and are issued via the official Excise Department website after payment of a government fee.
   • The fee for these permits was increased from ₹11,000 to ₹12,100 in March 2024.

Legal Action And Charges

The Oshiwara Police Station in Andheri registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to cheating, impersonation, and forgery.

1. Nature Of The Offense:
   • The suspect impersonated a government agent, deceived residents, and forged official documents.
   • This act not only defrauded the residents but also deprived the government of legitimate revenue.
2. Sections Invoked:
   • Cheating (Section 420 of BNS).
   • Impersonation and forgery (Sections 463 and 464 of BNS).
3. Excise Department’s Stand:
   • An FIR filed by an Excise Department inspector highlights the potential loss of government revenue and the misuse of public trust.

Impact On Residents And Authorities

The incident has sparked discussions about the awareness and responsibility of residents when obtaining official permits and the vigilance required by authorities to prevent such scams.

1. Impact On Residents:
   • Residents of the condominium believed the permits were legitimate and unknowingly used them for their events.
   • They now face scrutiny and potential legal implications for hosting events with counterfeit permits.
2. Government Revenue Loss:
   • Temporary liquor permits contribute significantly to state revenue, with fees exceeding ₹12,000 per permit.
   • Forged permits result in a direct financial loss for the government.
3. Call For Stricter Regulations:
   • The case highlights the need for more stringent checks and verifications in the permit issuance process to prevent such incidents.

Insights Into Temporary Liquor Permits

Under the Maharashtra State Prohibition Act, temporary one-day liquor permits are mandatory for serving alcohol at events.

1. Process For Obtaining Permits:
   • Applications are submitted through the official Excise Department website.
   • Approval is granted by the district collector after payment of the prescribed fee.
2. Common Misuses Of Permits:
   • Forgery and impersonation of officials to issue fake permits.
   • Residents or organizers bypassing official channels to save on costs or expedite the process.
3. Role Of The Excise Department:
   • The department is tasked with ensuring compliance with liquor regulations and preventing revenue leakage.
   • The latest case underscores the importance of monitoring the issuance and use of permits.

Preventive Measures Against Forgery

To prevent future incidents, authorities and residents must take proactive measures:

1. Awareness Among Residents:
   • Residents should verify the authenticity of agents and permits by cross-checking with official government portals.
2. Enhanced Technology:
   • Use of QR codes or digital verification mechanisms to authenticate permits.
3. Stringent Monitoring:
   • Regular audits of permits issued and their usage at events.
   • Swift action against offenders to deter similar scams.

Key Takeaways From The Incident

The Andheri fake liquor permit case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and transparency in processes involving government permits. While the suspect has been booked, the incident raises questions about the loopholes in the system and the awareness level of residents availing such services.

Moving forward, stricter regulations, better monitoring, and enhanced public awareness are essential to prevent similar scams and protect both government revenue and public trust.