Liquor Mafia Rattled by SP Tejaswini
Honest officer clamps down on illegal trade
The liquor mafia in Kota appears visibly rattled after the firm action of the newly appointed IPS officer and Kota City SP Tejaswini Gautam, who has cracked down hard on illegal liquor sales. Though contractors are not openly targeting her, they have begun protesting indirectly in the name of police harassment.
On the call of Vinod Pareta, Divisional President of the Wine Contractors’ Association, liquor shops across Kota were shut for three hours—from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—to register their protest. However, the strike turned out to be a failure, as most shops kept their shutters half down while continuing sales inside.
Association leaders, including Pareta and District President Ajay Singh, alleged that illegal liquor was being sold in the city and accused the police of continuous harassment. Yet, they failed to identify who was actually selling such liquor. Singh further claimed that liquor contractors are already burdened with multiple restrictions and penalties imposed by the government, and now face additional trouble from police authorities. A memorandum was also submitted to the Additional Excise Officer demanding stricter control over illegal liquor. The Association warned of further action if their demands were not met.
The reality, however, points in a different direction. SP Tejaswini Gautam, upon assuming charge, took a strong step by prohibiting the late-night sale of liquor under bright lights at local shops, a practice that had fueled widespread illegal trade. This crackdown has resulted in nearly 70% reduction in illegal liquor sales across the city.
This success has enraged Kota’s liquor mafia, which now appears desperate and is turning the tables by accusing the police itself. Their true motive, insiders say, is to push for permission to continue liquor sales beyond 8 p.m.—something that SP Gautam is unwilling to allow. While many contractors still attempt to sell liquor secretly, their profits have plunged compared to the earlier open sales.
Now, all eyes are on the next move of SP Tejaswini Gautam in her battle against Kota’s liquor mafia.
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