DM Savin Bansal Issues Orders: Liquor Shops and Bars to Remain Closed on Key Dates

District Magistrate Savin Bansal has issued crucial orders requiring the closure of liquor shops, bars, distilleries, and bottling plants in Dehradun on designated dates. This decision, tied to the municipal elections, vote counting, and Republic Day, is intended to ensure a smooth and orderly progression of these significant events.

Key Dates and Details:

Pre-Poll Closures:
Liquor-related establishments will remain closed from 24 hours prior to polling day, which is scheduled for January 23, until the completion of voting. This means liquor shops can only reopen after the conclusion of voting on the same day at 5 PM.

Vote Counting Day:
On January 25, the day designated for vote counting, all liquor shops and related establishments will remain closed to maintain law and order.

Republic Day:
On January 26, the nation celebrates Republic Day, and as a customary practice, all liquor establishments will stay closed throughout the day.

These closures result in a total of four days of full or partial shutdowns for liquor vendors in the week leading up to January 26.

Additional Details:

The District Magistrate emphasized that the closures also extend to distilleries and bottling plants, ensuring a complete halt in the sale and production of alcohol during these significant days. No compensation will be provided to license holders for these mandated closures.

Fake Government Circular on Tobacco Sale Sparks Legal Action

In a related development, a fake circular purportedly issued by the Uttarakhand government regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco products has surfaced on social media, causing widespread confusion. The fabricated document falsely claims that a private company, Indsan Bharat Commercial Private Limited, based in New Delhi, has been appointed as the state nodal agent for tobacco sales and distribution.

Highlights of the Fake Circular:

• It falsely names two individuals, Ramakant Ram and Sameer Das, as directors responsible for tobacco distribution in Uttarakhand.
• The letter mentions an annual payment of ₹25 lakhs to the state government by the company.
• The circular features forged signatures of the Under Secretary, Jagat Singh Routela, adding an air of authenticity.

Official Response:

Authorities, including Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Tax Rajeev Tiwari, have confirmed that the circular is entirely fraudulent. The Uttarakhand government has not issued any such directive, and this appears to be an attempt to tarnish the state's reputation.

Legal Actions Taken:

• Complaints have been lodged, and two cases have been registered in Dehradun and Haridwar.
• The Dehradun police have filed an FIR against unidentified individuals for circulating the fake letter. Efforts are underway to identify and take action against the perpetrators.
• In Haridwar, Senior Superintendent of Police Promendra Dobhal stated that misleading posts on social media promoting tobacco sales with fake government approval are under investigation.

The police have assured swift action against those spreading misinformation, urging citizens to rely on verified information to avoid confusion.