Eluru/Rajahmundry, April 23: In a significant push to strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, Prohibition and Excise Commissioner Chamakuri Sridhar conducted a detailed SHO-wise review meeting covering excise operations in Eluru and Rajahmundry regions. The review focused on operational performance across districts including Eluru, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Konaseema, and East Godavari, with emphasis on illegal liquor control, digital monitoring, and revenue integrity. The meeting concluded with a strong warning that SHOs failing to control violations and meet enforcement targets within their jurisdictions will face strict departmental action, as the state moves toward a more accountable and crime-free excise administration.

During the meeting, the Commissioner reviewed the performance of each Station House Officer (SHO) individually, moving beyond generalized district-level assessments. He examined crime control measures, particularly the prevalence of illicitly distilled liquor and illegal “belt shops” within respective jurisdictions. Station-wise staff strength and its effective utilisation for enforcement activities like raids and patrolling were also thoroughly assessed.

Emphasizing strict enforcement, the Commissioner again reviewed case detection and follow-up action taken by SHOs against repeat offenders and smugglers. He made it clear that any rise in crime without corresponding enforcement would be viewed seriously and could invite departmental action.

A major focus of the review was the mandatory implementation of the Surakshaa App. The Commissioner directed all SHOs to ensure 100 percent scanning compliance within their limits. The app enables real-time tracking of liquor movement from depots to consumers. Any discrepancies between stock offtake and scanned sales at shops and bars will be closely monitored to detect diversion of non-duty paid liquor.

The review also covered inspections of licensed establishments. SHOs were instructed to conduct frequent surprise checks at shops and bars to ensure adherence to rules, including timing and capacity regulations. The Commissioner also ordered increased collection of liquor samples for chemical analysis to prevent the sale of adulterated or harmful products.

Comparing current performance with last year’s data, he highlighted that growth in legitimate revenue is directly linked to effective control of illegal trade and stressed maintaining a balance between enforcement and revenue collection.

As part of the visit, the Commissioner conducted a high-profile inspection at Ajay Wines in Eluru town, using the Surakshaa App to verify stock authenticity through digital scanning. He directed officials to carry out rigorous and random bottle checks to eliminate the threat of spurious liquor in the market and ensure only genuine stock is sold to consumers.

Senior officials including DC Sreelatha, AC Prabhu Kumar, DPEO Eluru Avulaiah, and DPEO West Godavari Subba Rao participated in the review. From the Rajahmundry region, DC Kakinada Chaitanya Murali, DPEO Rajahmundry Sreelatha, and DPEO Konaseema Kumareswaran were also present.