SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Excise Department on Monday seized several hundred litres of liquor from a building located adjacent to Kozy Bar and Restaurant at Saw Furlong, Shillong, during a joint inspection carried out with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Shillong Mihngi Circle and police.
The seizure followed an inspection of an area near a river adjoining the building after a video surfaced purportedly showing two non-local persons allegedly firing weapons near the river.
During the inspection, the KSU and police also found several people from outside the state allegedly staying inside the premises. The organisation expressed suspicion that some of them may have been residing there without proper documentation, although such claims have not been independently established.
The inspection also revealed what the KSU described as poor sanitation and unhygienic living conditions, including accumulated garbage, bedding and foul smells at the site. The organisation raised concerns that the conditions could pose a risk to public health.
Speaking to reporters, KSU leaders criticised the situation and demanded that the authorities, particularly the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA), take action against the building and consider shutting it down if violations are established.
The KSU questioned why authorities continue to inspect and act against other buildings in the area if legal proceedings concerning the particular building are pending before a court.
Meanwhile, during the same inspection, the team also visited Kozy Bar and Restaurant, where officials reportedly found significant amounts of waste and unhygienic conditions.
Following the inspection, officials from the Food Safety Department immediately visited the premises to conduct a detailed inspection.
The joint inspection involved several government departments and agencies, including the Labour Department, Anti-Infiltration Directorate, Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), MUDA and the Excise Department, along with the police and KSU.
The multi-department inspection was aimed at checking alleged violations, liquor-related activities, sanitation conditions, labour-related issues and other regulatory concerns in the area.
Authorities are expected to take further action based on the findings of the inspection and seizure.