Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh Wine Contractors demands ED, CBI probe into alleged liquor cartelization in Excise Policy 2025-26
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 27, 2025 – The Chandigarh Wine Contractor Association (CWCA) has called for a CBI and ED investigation into the tendering process of the Chandigarh Excise Policy 2025-26, alleging monopolization and cartelization of the liquor business.
CWCA President Darshan Singh Kaler stated that despite the policy limiting liquor vends to a maximum of 10 per entity, a single family secured 33 vends through different individuals and companies. One person received 8 vends, his wife 9, his son 7, and a company where he is a director was allotted 9 more.
Key Allegations Raised by CWCA:
- Cartelization & Monopoly: Out of 97 liquor vends, 87 were allotted to just 2-3 individuals operating under different firms, relatives, and associates.
- Unusual Tender Process: Earnest money deposits were refunded immediately, without the usual practice of ensuring security deposits by successful allottees, raising suspicions of irregularities.
- Role of Officials in Question: The process allegedly violated the Excise Policy 2025-26 and the Competition Act, 2002, with officials ignoring concerns raised by other applicants.
- Impact on Liquor Prices & Smuggling: Due to monopolization, liquor prices may double, leading to potential interstate smuggling, especially as some successful allottees reportedly have FIRs related to smuggling.
The CWCA has urged the Chandigarh Administrator to terminate the alleged cartelized liquor allotments and conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.