Patterns of unrecorded/illicit liquor cases from southern Himachal Pradesh: A retrospective evaluation

Use of the alcoholic beverages, barring a few classes/societies, where it is a social taboo, is allowed in states of India. There is a provision for lawful production, sale, and consumption of liquor, yet the illicit liquors are seized throughout India including state of Himachal Pradesh [HP]. The current short report has analyzed cases of unrecorded [illicit] liquors registered from southern part of HP. The related data of cases was collected from the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Junga [HP]. The records were evaluated and interpreted to find the annual and monthly frequencies of cases, gender and occupation of the persons involved, and seized liquor types. The results showed highest numbers of cases were recorded from district Shimla and the lowest from Kinnaur. More than 95% of offenders involved in illegal liquors activities were men. The findings are informative enough in the interest of public awareness, and for the researchers to conduct further demographic studies, particularly socio-economic impact of illicit liquors in the study region.