Uttarakhand Government Car Seized in Liquor Prohibition Case to Be Auctioned; Bidding for 176 Vehicles on July 31
Muzaffarpur: The auction process for vehicles seized under Bihar's prohibition law is set to resume, and this time, one particular vehicle has drawn significant attention. A car registered in the name of the Uttarakhand Government, which was seized in 2024 for allegedly being used to transport liquor, will now be put up for public auction. The district administration has fixed its reserve price at ₹1.08 lakh.
According to officials, the auction will be held on July 31, during which a total of 176 seized vehicles, including the government-owned car, will go under the hammer. The list includes cars, motorcycles, scooters, auto-rickshaws, and other vehicles confiscated in connection with violations of Bihar's liquor prohibition law. The auction will be conducted under the supervision of the Excise Department and the district administration.
Vehicle Was Seized Under Bihar's Prohibition Law
Since the implementation of complete liquor prohibition in Bihar, law enforcement agencies have been carrying out regular crackdowns on illegal liquor transportation and smuggling.
During one such operation in 2024, police intercepted a car allegedly carrying liquor. Subsequent verification revealed that the vehicle was registered in the name of the Government of Uttarakhand.
The vehicle was confiscated under the provisions of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act. After the completion of the required legal procedures, it has now been included in the list of vehicles to be auctioned.
Why Is the Vehicle Being Auctioned?
Under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, vehicles seized for transporting, smuggling, or being involved in liquor-related offenses can be auctioned after the completion of legal formalities.
The objective is to dispose of vehicles that remain parked for long periods in police stations and excise department premises while also generating revenue for the government.
Officials noted that vehicles left unused for years often deteriorate due to weather exposure, making timely disposal through public auctions a practical solution.
Reserve Price Fixed at ₹1.08 Lakh
The district administration has fixed the reserve price of the Uttarakhand Government car at ₹108,000.
Interested buyers will be able to participate in the auction by placing bids above the reserve price. The vehicle will be awarded to the highest bidder in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.
Auction to Include 176 Vehicles
The July 31 auction will feature a total of 176 confiscated vehicles, including:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Scooters
- Auto-rickshaws
- Other small and large vehicles
These vehicles were seized at different times for alleged violations of Bihar's prohibition law.
Officials said that the complete list of vehicles has already been prepared so that interested bidders can make the necessary arrangements before the auction.
Transparent Auction Process
The district administration has assured that the entire auction process will be conducted transparently.
Interested participants will be required to submit applications along with the prescribed security deposit and necessary documents before taking part in the open bidding process.
The highest valid bidder for each vehicle will be declared the successful purchaser, subject to compliance with all auction conditions.
Strong Message on Enforcement of Prohibition Law
Officials said the government continues to take strict action against violations of Bihar's prohibition law.
Vehicles found to have been used for liquor smuggling or illegal transportation are seized, and after legal proceedings are completed, they are auctioned in accordance with the law.
Authorities believe that such measures act as a deterrent against those involved in illegal liquor trade.
Government-Owned Vehicle Becomes a Talking Point
The inclusion of a vehicle registered in the name of the Uttarakhand Government has become a major topic of discussion.
Government-owned vehicles are rarely seen in such auctions, making this case particularly noteworthy.
However, officials emphasized that the law applies equally to everyone. If any vehicle is legally confiscated in connection with a prohibition-related offense and all legal procedures have been completed, it can be auctioned regardless of its ownership.
Revenue Generation for the Government
The proceeds from the auction will be deposited into the government treasury.
Officials expect the auction to not only help clear accumulated seized vehicles but also contribute additional revenue to the state.
In previous years, hundreds of vehicles confiscated under Bihar's prohibition law have been successfully auctioned in Muzaffarpur and several other districts across the state.
Guidelines for Interested Bidders
The district administration has issued several instructions for participants:
- Submit the application before the prescribed deadline.
- Provide the required identity and supporting documents.
- Deposit the prescribed security amount.
- Successful bidders must pay the full bid amount within the stipulated time.
- Vehicles will be handed over only after completion of all payment and documentation formalities.
Enforcement Drive Continues
The Excise Department stated that its campaign against illegal liquor transportation and smuggling will continue across the district.
Officials reiterated that the July 31 auction will be conducted strictly in accordance with legal provisions. The exercise is expected to facilitate the disposal of confiscated vehicles, increase government revenue, and send a strong message that vehicles used in violation of Bihar's prohibition law will face legal consequences and cannot escape confiscation and auction.
