Excise Officer Goes Undercover as Customer, Catches Liquor Shop Charging Above MRP in Mathura

Mathura: The Excise Department has penalised a liquor shop in the Kosi Kalan area after a covert inspection confirmed that customers were being charged more than the government-approved price.

Acting on the directions of District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh, District Excise Officer Upendra Singh personally visited a composite liquor shop near Bathain Mod, posing as a customer. During the discreet purchase, he found that the seller had charged more than the prescribed price for a bottle of liquor.

Following the inspection, the department issued a notice to the shop's licence holder and imposed a fine of ₹75,000.

What Did the Undercover Inspection Reveal?

District Excise Officer Upendra Singh said the department had been receiving complaints through telephone calls and the IGRS portal about liquor shops charging customers above the authorised rates.

Taking note of these complaints, Singh decided to verify the matter himself by making a secret purchase. The transaction confirmed the overcharging, prompting the department to initiate action against the licence holder.

Strict Action Warning for Repeat Offences

The department has cautioned the shop operator against repeating the violation. Officials said that if overcharging is reported and established again, the shop's licence could be suspended and further legal action initiated.

The District Excise Officer added that surprise inspections and special enforcement drives would continue across the district to check overpricing and the sale of illicit liquor. Those found charging above the prescribed rates or selling illegal liquor will face action in accordance with the law.