Patna, Feb. 6 -- Facing criticism over frequent liquor smuggling in Bihar, the state government has come up with a more stringent plan to curb the menace. As part of this plan, the Bihar government will take over and auction properties used for liquor storage in Bihar.

Sanjay Kumar Agrawal, the divisional commissioner of Patna directed District Magistrates (DM), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Superintendents of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) to act on the directive.

"If the police or excise department seize liquor from a house or godown, the police and civil authority of respective districts are entitled to take over those properties, cancel registry followed by a fresh auction," Agrawal said. He added ...