Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Aalirajpur Liquor Row Escalates Over Alleged Illegal Movement
A dispute about alleged illegal liquor transport is growing in Aalirajpur.
Tribal leader Mahesh Patel says liquor is being brought from Gujarat at night.
He says some vehicles were seen moving suspiciously on CCTV.
Patel also says poor Tribal people are punished while bigger operators avoid action.
Excise officer Radhyeshyam Rai denies the accusations.
Rai says the department will patrol at night and inspect vehicles.
He also says trucks carrying liquor have already been seized.
Patel has given officials eight days to take action.
If they do not, he says protests may happen in several areas.
Mahesh Patel accused police and the Excise Department of protecting major liquor operators in Aalirajpur.
Patel alleged liquor was brought from Gujarat at night through several routes, citing suspicious vehicle movements on CCTV.
He claimed poor Tribals were arrested for small quantities while larger operators avoided action.
Excise officer Radheshyam Rai rejected the allegations as baseless and said night patrols and vehicle inspections would continue.
Patel gave the administration eight days to act, warning of agitation by Tribal community members and Congress workers.
- Who
- Mahesh Patel, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Development Council state vice-president, and excise officer Radheshyam Rai are the main figures in the dispute.
- What
- They exchanged allegations and denials over the alleged illegal movement of liquor and enforcement by police and the Excise Department.
- When
- The controversy intensified on Thursday; Patel alleged that some liquor movement occurred at night, including between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.
- Where
- Aalirajpur district in Madhya Pradesh, including Sorwa, Chandpur, Jhadoli, Chhaktala, Andharkanch and Kathiwada.
- Why
- Patel wants action against alleged major operators and an impartial inquiry, while the excise department says his allegations are baseless.
Allegations and Demands
Excise Department Response
Protection of Major Operators
Allegations and Demands
Patel accused police and the Excise Department of protecting major liquor operators while poorer Tribals were arrested for possessing small quantities.
Excise Department Response
Rai rejected the allegations as baseless and said the department had seized trucks carrying large quantities of liquor.
Illegal Movement Routes
Allegations and Demands
Patel alleged liquor was transported from Gujarat at night through several Aalirajpur routes and sought inquiries into permits, vehicle movements and excise records.
Excise Department Response
Rai said the department would conduct night patrols and inspect vehicles, but did not accept Patel's allegations.
Further Action
Allegations and Demands
Patel demanded an impartial probe ordered by the collector and warned of agitation if action was not taken within eight days.
Excise Department Response
Rai said the department would continue enforcement through its available vehicles, inspectors, patrols and vehicle checks.
- Main accuser
- Mahesh Patel, state vice-president of the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Development Council
- Department response
- Excise officer Radheshyam Rai rejected the allegations as baseless
- Alleged source
- Patel said liquor was brought from Gujarat at night
- CCTV claim
- Patel cited two suspicious vehicles moving between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.
- Enforcement resources
- Rai said the department has two vehicles and three inspectors for the district
- Reported seizures
- Rai said trucks carrying 100 to 200 cases of liquor were seized at Kathiwara and Andharkanch
- Action deadline
- Patel gave the administration eight days to act against major operators