Seized Country Liquor Allegedly Looted by Owners and Locals in Presence of Police, Officers Watch Helplessly Fearing Retaliation in South Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 19, 2026

A major anti-illicit liquor drive in South Tripura's Manu Bazaar has triggered controversy after a portion of the country liquor seized by police was allegedly taken away by its owners and local residents in the presence of police personnel, who reportedly remained passive fearing a possible retaliatory attack.

The incident occurred after Shantirbazar Police, assisted by TSR personnel, conducted a special operation against the illegal country liquor trade on the directions of the Superintendent of Police. During the raid, around 500 litres of country liquor were seized. While nearly 450 litres were destroyed on the spot, the remaining 50 litres were loaded into a government vehicle to be transported to the police station for legal proceedings.

According to local reports, the government vehicle developed a mechanical fault on the way to the police station. Taking advantage of the situation, the alleged owners of the seized liquor, along with a group of local residents, reportedly removed the liquor from the stranded vehicle in full view of police personnel. Reports claim that the officers did not intervene, allegedly fearing that any attempt to stop the crowd could trigger a violent confrontation.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the effectiveness of law enforcement during anti-illicit liquor operations and has intensified public debate over the growing influence of the illegal liquor trade in the region. Residents have also alleged that country liquor has been openly sold in Manu Bazaar, Barapathari areas for years, particularly on Saturdays. Some locals further claimed that illegal liquor traders have continued their business by paying regular bribes to personnel at the local police outpost.

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