Patwaris Expose Overcharging By Liquor Shops, Action Likely In Jabalpur

Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Patwaris from Revenue Department took on an unusual role in Jabalpur, investigating liquor shops accused of overcharging customers. Acting as regular buyers, these land record officers secretly visited 22 liquor shops across Ranjhi, Gorakhpur and Adhartal to gather evidence of overpricing.

More than 40 teams of patwaris made purchases and used scanners to record electronic proof of transactions. Their confidential operation aimed to catch shopkeepers selling liquor above the maximum retail price (MRP) without warning.

The investigation revealed that 21 out of 22 shops were charging extra—small bottles were overpriced by ₹20 and larger bottles by ₹100 to Rs 150.

This problem began in March and worsened in April. Reports also suggest rural areas such as Shahpura, Sihora, Kundam, Bargi and Chargawan face similar or worse overpricing issues.

Despite numerous public complaints, the Excise Department hadn’t taken action until collector Deepak Saxena stepped in. He appointed the special team, including SDM and patwaris, to probe the matter. The SDM will submit a detailed report to the collector, who promised strict action against shops for over-charging.

Collector Saxena assured the public that this investigation will help end illegal price hikes and protect consumers from unfair practices.