Key facts
- West Bengal liquor retailers allege over Rs 300 crore was collected in unauthorized transportation charges.
- The alleged period for these charges is between 2022 and 2025.
- Retailers claim the state's distributor-depot system is being exploited.
- The distributor-depot system was intended to streamline liquor supply.
- Retailers are demanding an Excise Department probe.
West Bengal liquor retailers have come forward with allegations that more than Rs 300 crore has been amassed through unauthorized transportation charges. This alleged collection spans the period from 2022 to 2025. The retailers contend that the state's distributor-depot system, which was established with the aim of streamlining the supply of liquor, is instead being exploited for these illicit charges. They are now formally requesting that the Excise Department conduct a thorough probe into the matter to uncover the extent of this alleged malpractice and hold those responsible accountable.