Recently, the Telangana State Excise Department has lodged a case against Hyderabad businessman Rajendra Prasad Pakala, also known as Raj Pakala, for violating excise laws at a private party at his farmhouse in Janwada. The case has thrown open a very significant issue about unlicensed alcohol distribution and suspected drug use at private events. The case is described below with the implications it holds for the hosts and organizers of events in Telangana.
Overview of the Case
- Possession of Untaxed Liquor: Raj Pakala was apprehended for sections 34 A and 34 (1) r/w 9 of the Excise Act after it was found that he had large quantities of untaxed liquor at his farmhouse party.
- Background of the Case: The raid was conducted on October 27 after a tip-off was received that Raj Pakala might be involved in some illicit activities concerning unlicensed alcohol and even drugs.
The Joint Raid and Violations Found
- Operation Description: The operations were carried out by a special team constituted by the Police of Narsingi along with other officers of Cyberabad Special Operations Team (SOT), Excise officers.
- January 9 At Janwada Farm House: After the raid, the administration discovered there to be about 35 attendees, males and females-21men and14 women-who met at that farmhouse. Liquor was reported to have been received without proper permit excise charges which was the cause of illegal business of liquor there.
Improper Liquor Recovered
- Alcohol Seized: Pakala was seized with seven bottles of foreign liquor that total 10.5 liters and another 10 bottles of Indian-made liquor.
- Excise Law Violations: The alcohol seized did not have the proper permits to distribute, and thus, Pakala is liable for having unlicensed possession and service. The case centers around these violations, where authorities underscore the lack of permits as a major offense under state regulations.
Drug Use Suspicion and Test Results
- On-site drug testing: After receiving some suspicions over drug consumption, the police started on-site drug testing for men who attended that event.
- Test Positive for Cocaine: Vijay Madduri was one among those attendees. He test positive for cocaine. It is sent to a nearby hospital for further testing where he was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 27.
- No Other Drugs Were Available: No other drugs and no other positive tests were available at the premises to reduce further legal issues arising from drug possession.
Sniffer Dogs and Inspection of the Premises
- Comprehensive Inspection: Sniffer dogs were utilized by the authorities to ensure that no other illegal drugs were available at the farmhouse.
- Final Check Results: Authorities confirmed no additional drugs and controlled substances are found within the premises. The significant violation was distribution of untaxed alcohol with regard to permits not attained by Pakala.
Litigation Issues with Raj Pakala
- Excise Act Violation Case: Case against Raj Pakala as a violator of the Excise Act for having been remiss in properly licensing alcohol for sale.
- Host Liability: Pakala, the property owner and host is responsible for the non-implementation of excise law. The Telangana Excise Department has viewed his failure to do the same as a serious violation.
- Political Ties: The incident has further sensationalized because of Pakala’s alleged political ties to a high-profile political person, raising questions about who is accountable at social gatherings if influential people are involved
Raj Pakala
Growing Concerns Over Licensed Parties in Hyderabad
- Growing Trend of Unlicensed Events: More unauthorized events were seen by the authorities of Hyderabad. There is illegal alcohol supply and alleged use of drugs.
- Increased Surveillance Actions: The Telangana State Excise Department, as reported, has planned for more strengthened forms of surveillance in detecting and controlling the events in question with cooperation from local police.
Critical Sections of the Excise Act and NDPS Act that are Being Scrutinized - Excise Act Regulations: Sections 34 A and 34 (1) r/w 9 of the Excise Act deal with the sales and distribution of alcohol that have permits and licenses issued before holding any event in which alcohol is distributed.
- NDPS Act: In case of Madduri, where application of section 27 NDPS Act has taken place as it refers to the use or possession of narcotic drugs as Madduri tested positive for cocaine. Therefore, NDPS Act, being the part of body of the narcotics control law of India extends its coverage concerning private and official gatherings in public as well as their official reaction.
- Public Awareness: This case has made headlines in public forums about illegal parties and possible legal proceedings against the hosts and those in attendance.
- Excise Department Response: Telangana State Excise Department reiterated the importance of following the existing rules of the land, which do not sanction illegal events at private functions. It also warned that such a breach would receive severe consequences in the future.
This case of the Janwada farmhouse teaches a lesson to every owner of property and organizer of events. They must comply with the provisions of the Excise Act and NDPS Act to avoid legal hassles.
A Reminder for Hosts and Organizers: This case teaches that an appropriate license has to be obtained and the state regulations followed to avoid imposition of harsh penalties, even criminal charges.
Conclusion
Another incident like the Janwada farmhouse incident, involving businessman Raj Pakala at the center, is seen to show the dangers and legal consequences with unlicensed sales of alcohol and drug consumption in private parties.
Hyderabad is seeing an increase in such unlicensed parties, and the Telangana State Excise Department along with the local police have taken it upon themselves to monitor these events much more vigilantly.
Again, the authorities reminded the event organizers and owners of properties about the guidelines in the Excise Act and NDPS Act. Committed compliance with the state law would create a safe and lawfully social environment.