Photo for representation.
The liquor business in Haryana is facing unprecedented disruption as gangster threats cast a dark shadow over the Haryana liquor auctions. Widespread fear among vendors has resulted in poor participation, with liquor contractors staying away from auctions amid a rising tide of intimidation, extortion threats, and targeted violence. The fallout is now threatening both the state’s revenue and the credibility of its law enforcement.
Hindustan Times reported that under the newly launched Haryana Excise Policy 2025–27, the state government had opened bidding for 260 liquor retail zones. However, only 41 of these zones were successfully auctioned across the first seven rounds. According to industry insiders and local contractors, this unusually low turnout is directly linked to fear of gangsters and lack of faith in administrative protection.
As per The Times Of India report, there have been several violent incidents that have rattled the business community. A liquor contractor was murdered in Jind under suspicious circumstances, while liquor vends in Yamunanagar and Rohtak were attacked by unidentified gunmen. Eyewitnesses claim the assailants warned vendors not to participate in upcoming auctions, reinforcing fears that gangsters are at play in manipulating who gets control of the liquor trade.
Contractors have publicly stated that they fear for their safety and will not risk bidding under such circumstances. Many say they are receiving direct and indirect threats from known gangster syndicates operating out of Haryana and nearby states. These threats are believed to be part of a larger pattern to monopolize liquor distribution under the guise of legitimate contracts.
Amid growing concerns, the Haryana government has attempted to downplay the situation while issuing strong assurances. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed the police to provide full security to contractors during auction proceedings. Additional Chief Secretary Sumita Misra also met with top district officials to reinforce administrative backing for the auction process.
However, critics argue that the government’s response is reactive rather than proactive. In at least six districts—Panchkula, Mewat, Narnaul, Rewari, Kaithal, and Yamunanagar—not a single bid was received in the latest round of auctions. Business owners have repeatedly stressed that liquor contractors will continue to keep their distance from auctions unless they feel genuinely safe and supported.
Opposition leaders have seized on the crisis to attack the ruling government. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala has accused certain law enforcement officers of colluding with criminals. He demanded a probe into the growing nexus between police and gangster syndicates, which he claims is undermining both the business environment and the rule of law in Haryana.
Meanwhile, the financial implications are becoming serious. The state excise department has collected only around ₹11,400 crore so far—well short of the ₹14,060 crore target projected under the current policy. If the gangster problem continues to derail the auction process, Haryana could face a sharp shortfall in excise revenue, one of its key income sources.
Security agencies have promised to deploy more forces at auction venues and intensify surveillance in vulnerable districts. But the contractor community remains unconvinced. Until visible action is taken—such as the arrest of prominent gang members or guaranteed police protection during bid submissions—many in the industry say they will continue to opt out of the process.
The situation is being seen not just as a law-and-order issue, but a litmus test of governance in Haryana. If the state fails to create a safe and fair business climate, it risks long-term reputational damage that could affect other sectors as well.
With gangster threats looming and liquor contractors backing off, the Haryana government must act swiftly to restore order, uphold fairness in the auction system, and ensure that criminal elements do not hijack the state’s lucrative liquor economy.
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