Loot by Wine Shops in Samba: Overcharging, Adulteration, No Bills, Authorities Silent
Samba, March 14: The liquor shops in Samba town have come under scrutiny for overcharging customers while failing to provide bills, raising serious concerns about illegal profiteering. Despite public outrage and social workers highlighting the issue, the administration and the Excise Department remain silent, allowing the malpractice to continue unchecked.
Rampant Overcharging, No Bills Issued & Adulteration
According to reports, multiple wine shops in Samba are selling liquor at inflated prices & issue of Adulteration
- Mac Dowell’s Whisky (MRP ₹725) is being sold at ₹750
- Royal Stag Quarter (MRP ₹195) is being sold at ₹200
- MC Whisky Quarter (MRP ₹180) is being sold at ₹200
Customers also allege that an illegal margin of ₹25 per bottle, ₹20 for half, and ₹10 for a quarter is being charged on an average. These shops are not issuing bills, raising suspicions of tax evasion and black-market dealings.
Adulteration
but the biggest issue is of Adulteration. Adulterated contents are selling in the market because there are often complaints of leakage from the bottles. They have adopted the noble way of opening the whole cap of the bottle & then after adulteration put it back on the bottle. But the leakages from these bottles have unearthed their plan. This adulterated contents if go unchecked may lead to precious loss of life.
Public Outrage Ignored
Social workers and concerned citizens have repeatedly raised this issue, urging the administration to take strict action. However, their complaints have yielded no results, further fueling public resentment. Customers who object to the overpricing are reportedly threatened by shop owners and workers, making them feel helpless.
A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“This happens every day. The shop owners and their workers loot customers in broad daylight without any fear. Even if someone speaks up, they are either ignored or intimidated.”
Demand for Action
With growing public frustration, citizens are demanding immediate intervention from the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department and the district administration. The authorities are urged to:
- Conduct surprise inspections at liquor shops to check for overcharging.
- Ensure bills are issued for every purchase, preventing tax evasion.
- Penalize and suspend licenses of shops violating pricing rules.
- Set up a complaint helpline where citizens can report illegal practices.
The people of Samba call upon the Deputy Commissioner, Samba, and the Excise Department to take swift action and end this illegal profiteering. If no immediate steps are taken, mass protests may erupt, forcing the administration to act under public pressure.
The question remains: Will the authorities wake up, or will this loot continue unchecked?
