A recent incident at Katihar Railway Station has brought to light significant coordination challenges among enforcement agencies in Bihar, a state known for its strict prohibition laws. The trouble began when the Excise Department received a tip-off regarding the transportation of liquor via the Haate Bazaar Express and decided to conduct a raid at the station. However, the situation escalated into chaos as a physical altercation erupted between the Excise team and the Government Railway Police (GRP).
The incident, captured in a viral video, allegedly shows the mistreatment of excise personnel during the operation. According to excise officials, the urgency of the situation prevented them from informing the GRP beforehand, leading to suspicions among the railway police. Subhash Singh, Excise Superintendent, explained that due to time constraints, they had to act swiftly based on specific intelligence, but assured that future raids would be better coordinated after discussions with senior officials.
Railway DSP Arun Kumar Akela described the event as a misunderstanding, emphasizing that no prior information was shared with the GRP and the plainclothes attire of the Excise team raised suspicions. He mentioned that an investigation is ongoing, and appropriate measures will be taken. Both the GRP and the Excise Department have launched a joint inquiry to address the incident and have acknowledged the necessity of improved communication to prevent similar confrontations in the future.
The lack of coordination between the enforcement agencies in this incident has sparked concerns about the effective implementation of prohibition laws in Bihar. Katihar, situated near the West Bengal border and a significant railway junction, is considered a critical location for potential liquor smuggling activities. This incident not only highlights a singular clash but also underscores broader issues of coordination, communication, and accountability among enforcement agencies. To ensure the success of prohibition efforts in Bihar, seamless coordination between departments is deemed as crucial as stringent enforcement measures.
