Expired Kingfisher Beer Seized from Licensed Liquor Shop in Kamalpur, Excise Department Conducts Rare Raid

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 7, 2025

In a rare crackdown by the Tripura Excise Department, officials have seized 56 cases of expired Kingfisher beer from a licensed liquor shop in Kamalpur yesterday. The seized stock consisted of outdated colored beverages often sold as chilled beer, raising serious concerns over public health safety and regulatory oversight.

The incident has sent shockwaves among local consumers, with many questioning the safety of alcoholic beverages being sold openly across the state. Excise department sources confirmed that the confiscated beer had crossed its expiry date and was still being offered for sale to unsuspecting customers.

It is widely known that such raids are seldom conducted in Tripura, especially in liquor outlets. There are long standing allegations that many liquor shop owners operate under covert arrangements with excise officials. These alleged ties allow the illegal sale of adulterated or expired alcoholic products to continue without scrutiny.

According to recent data, Tripura now ranks second among Indian states in terms of alcohol consumption per capita. Alcohol taxation is also one of the highest revenue generating sources for the state government, following GST. This high dependence on liquor revenue has prompted some activists to demand stricter checks and transparency in excise operations.

Public health experts have warned that consuming expired or tampered alcoholic beverages can lead to serious health hazards, including food poisoning, liver damage, or worse. The recent recovery highlights the urgent need for routine inspections and stronger regulatory mechanisms.

The Excise Department has not yet revealed whether any action has been taken against the shop owner or if any arrests have been made. However, public demand is growing for stringent action against those selling expired or fake liquor, and for a state wide drive to ensure consumer safety in all liquor establishments.

As the festive season approaches, authorities are being urged to step up vigilance to prevent similar incidents and safeguard public health.

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