Friday, September 23 2005 15:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Revenue from Excise in Karnataka was expected to shoot up to Rs 3425 crore by July next as against the budget projection of Rs 3025 crore, Minister for Excise C Chennigappa said today (Sept 23, 2005).

Despite a stricter vigil, the menace of 'seconds sale' (by evading duty) in liquor trade was still flourishing in parts of the state and manufacture of thirds (illegally manufactured liquor) was also continuing, he told reporters.

The Government has decided to crack whip on seconds and 'thirds', besides spurious arrack manufacturing, he said, adding, Excise Intelligence Bureau (EIB) has been strengthened by providing 220 vehicles to undertake round the clock raids.

Chennigappa said the department would also be undertaking raids on liquor shops and bars to check adulteration of Indian Made Liquor (IML) and cancel licenses of those outlets, which were found guilty.

In the last 40 days 11,305 raids have been conducted, 1340 cases booked for various offences under Excise Act and1063 persons arrested, he said.