Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department is preparing a proposal to be sent to the State government on equipping its officers in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area with weapons. The Department’s Commissioner C. Hari Kiran sought views on which ranks should be armed if the proposal is approved.

The proposal was discussed at a review meeting chaired by the Commissioner with Excise officials from the CURE jurisdiction. Officials were asked to provide comprehensive inputs for preparing the proposal to be submitted to the government.

Mr. Hari Kiran directed that, if the government approves the proposal, armed Excise operations should be conducted in coordination with the Police Department.

The Commissioner also directed officials to maintain strict surveillance and step up enforcement against NDPS-related offences and non-duty-paid liquor violations.

The officials were asked to expedite the collection of excise rental fees from bars and liquor shops. The Commissioner also instructed them to provide necessary facilities and guidance to applicants seeking new bar licences.

Additional Commissioner Syed Yasin Qureshi, Enforcement Joint Commissioner G. Anjan Rao, Greater Hyderabad and Cyberabad Deputy Commissioners A. Srinivasa Reddy and J. Harikishan, TGBCL Deputy Commissioner P. Dasarath, Assistant Commissioner (Headquarters) Seelam Srinivas and other Excise officials attended the meeting.