In a bizarre incident that has sparked disbelief and amusement across India, liquor traders in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district have claimed that rats consumed approximately 800 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) to explain a significant stock discrepancy discovered during an excise department audit. The outlandish excuse, reported on July 13, 2025, comes ahead of Jharkhand’s new liquor policy set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The claim has raised eyebrows among officials and the public, with many suspecting it as a cover-up for potential corruption or mismanagement. This article delves into the details of the incident, its context, and the broader implications for Jharkhand’s liquor trade.
Background of the Incident
The controversy emerged during a routine stock inspection conducted by Jharkhand’s excise department in preparation for the state’s new liquor policy. Authorities audited liquor shops in Dhanbad’s Baliapur and Pradhan Khunta areas, where they discovered a shortfall of 802 IMFL bottles, either completely empty or nearly depleted. When pressed for an explanation, the traders claimed that rats had chewed through bottle caps and consumed the liquor, an assertion that left excise officials stunned and skeptical. The incident, first reported by outlets like NDTV and Mathrubhumi, quickly gained traction on social media, with posts on X amplifying the absurdity of the claim.
This is not the first time Dhanbad traders have blamed rodents for missing intoxicants. Previous incidents in the region saw rats accused of consuming 10 kg of bhang (cannabis) and 9 kg of marijuana seized by police, suggesting a pattern of using such excuses to deflect accountability. The recurrence of these claims has fueled speculation about systemic issues in the region’s liquor trade, particularly as the state gears up for a significant policy overhaul.
Details of the Audit and Traders’ Claims
The excise department’s audit was part of a broader effort to ensure compliance and transparency in Jharkhand’s liquor trade before the implementation of the new policy. The policy, designed to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol, has prompted increased scrutiny of liquor stocks across the state. During the inspection in Baliapur and Pradhan Khunta, officials found that 802 bottles of IMFL, valued at lakhs of rupees, were unaccounted for. The traders’ explanation—that rats had accessed and consumed the liquor—was met with immediate skepticism, as such a volume of alcohol would be highly improbable for rodents to consume.
Posts on X added a humorous twist to the narrative, with one user, @pratulshahdeo, sarcastically describing how rats allegedly dipped their tails into the bottles to drink the liquor, as they couldn’t fit their mouths through the bottle openings. Another post by @BikerGirlkancha humorously noted that the rats fortunately did not drive under the influence, or they might have faced penalties from the Dhanbad police. These reactions underscore the public’s incredulity and the viral nature of the story.
Official Response and Investigation
Excise officials, led by figures such as Ramlila Rawani, have dismissed the traders’ claims as implausible and initiated a deeper investigation into the missing stock. The significant value of the 802 bottles suggests potential mismanagement, theft, or illegal sales, prompting authorities to probe whether the traders were attempting to cover up corrupt practices. The excise department is now examining whether the shortfall reflects deliberate misconduct, such as selling liquor on the black market or failing to maintain proper inventory records.
The timing of the incident, just weeks before the new liquor policy’s implementation, has heightened scrutiny. The policy aims to streamline the liquor trade, curb illegal activities, and ensure accurate stock reporting. The Dhanbad incident has cast a spotlight on the challenges of enforcing these regulations in a region with a history of questionable excuses for stock discrepancies.
Broader Context and Historical Precedents
Jharkhand’s liquor trade has long been plagued by issues of corruption and mismanagement. The state’s excise department has faced challenges in regulating the sale of alcohol, particularly in areas like Dhanbad, known for its industrial and commercial significance. The claim of rats consuming liquor echoes earlier incidents in the region, such as the alleged consumption of cannabis by rodents, which suggests a recurring tactic to deflect accountability. These incidents have drawn comparisons to similar cases elsewhere in India, where officials or traders have blamed animals for missing goods, often to mask financial irregularities.
The upcoming liquor policy, set to take effect on September 1, 2025, is expected to introduce stricter oversight and penalties for non-compliance. The Dhanbad scandal has highlighted the urgency of these reforms, as well as the need for robust mechanisms to prevent stockBOSE
System: The response was cut off due to exceeding the maximum response length. Here’s the continuation to complete the article, ensuring all requested elements are included while adhering to the provided guidelines.
Dhanbad Traders Blame Rats for Missing 800 Bottles of Liquor in Bizarre Scandal
Dhanbad, Jharkhand, Liquor shortage, Rats, Indian Made Foreign Liquor, Excise department, Corruption, New liquor policy, Baliapur, Pradhan Khunta
Introduction
In a bizarre incident that has sparked disbelief and amusement across India, liquor traders in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district have claimed that rats consumed approximately 800 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) to explain a significant stock discrepancy discovered during an excise department audit. The outlandish excuse, reported on July 13, 2025, comes ahead of Jharkhand’s new liquor policy set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The claim has raised eyebrows among officials and the public, with many suspecting it as a cover-up for potential corruption or mismanagement. This article delves into the details of the incident, its context, and the broader implications for Jharkhand’s liquor trade.
Background of the Incident
The controversy emerged during a routine stock inspection conducted by Jharkhand’s excise department in preparation for the state’s new liquor policy. Authorities audited liquor shops in Dhanbad’s Baliapur and Pradhan Khunta areas, where they discovered a shortfall of 802 IMFL bottles, either completely empty or nearly depleted. When pressed for an explanation, the traders claimed that rats had chewed through bottle caps and consumed the liquor, an assertion that left excise officials stunned and skeptical. The incident, first reported by outlets like NDTV and Mathrubhumi, quickly gained traction on social media, with posts on X amplifying the absurdity of the claim.
This is not the first time Dhanbad traders have blamed rodents for missing intoxicants. Previous incidents in the region saw rats accused of consuming 10 kg of bhang (cannabis) and 9 kg of marijuana seized by police, suggesting a pattern of using such excuses to deflect accountability. The recurrence of these claims has fueled speculation about systemic issues in the region’s liquor trade, particularly as the state gears up for a significant policy overhaul.
Details of the Audit and Traders’ Claims
The excise department’s audit was part of a broader effort to ensure compliance and transparency in Jharkhand’s liquor trade before the implementation of the new policy. The policy, designed to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol, has prompted increased scrutiny of liquor stocks across the state. During the inspection in Baliapur and Pradhan Khunta, officials found that 802 bottlesول, valued at lakhs of rupees, were unaccounted for. The traders’ explanation—that rats had accessed and consumed the liquor—was met with immediate skepticism, as such a
volume of alcohol would be highly improbable for rodents to consume.
Posts on X added a humorous twist to the narrative, with one user, @pratulshahdeo, sarcastically describing how rats allegedly dipped their tails into the bottles to drink the liquor, as they couldn’t fit their mouths through the bottle openings. Another post by @BikerGirlkancha humorously noted that the rats fortunately did not drive under the influence, or they might have faced penalties from the Dhanbad police. These reactions underscore the public’s incredulity and the viral nature of the story.
Official Response and Investigation
Excise officials, led by figures such as Ramlila Rawani, have dismissed the traders’ claims as implausible and initiated a deeper investigation into the missing stock. The significant value of the 802 bottles suggests potential mismanagement, theft, or illegal sales, prompting authorities to probe whether the traders were attempting to cover up corrupt practices. The excise department is now examining whether the shortfall reflects deliberate misconduct, such as selling liquor on the black market or failing to maintain proper inventory records.
The timing of the incident, just weeks before the new liquor policy’s implementation, has heightened scrutiny. The policy aims to streamline the liquor trade, curb illegal activities, and ensure accurate stock reporting. The Dhanbad incident has cast a spotlight on the challenges of enforcing these regulations in a region with a history of questionable excuses for stock discrepancies.
Broader Context and Historical Precedents
Jharkhand’s liquor trade has long been plagued by issues of corruption and mismanagement. The state’s excise department has faced challenges in regulating the sale of alcohol, particularly in areas like Dhanbad, known for its industrial and commercial significance. The claim of rats consuming liquor echoes earlier incidents in the region, such as the alleged consumption of cannabis by rodents, which suggests a recurring tactic to deflect accountability. These incidents have drawn comparisons to similar cases elsewhere in India, where officials or traders have blamed animals for missing goods, often to mask financial irregularities.
The upcoming liquor policy, set to take effect on September 1, 2025, is expected to introduce stricter oversight and penalties for non-compliance. The Dhanbad scandal has highlighted the urgency of these reforms, as well as the need for robust mechanisms to prevent and detect such discrepancies in the future.
Public and Media Reaction
The traders’ claim has captured widespread attention, both for its absurdity and for what it reveals about accountability in Jharkhand’s liquor trade. Media outlets across India, including NDTV, TV9 Telugu, and The Photon News, have reported on the incident, emphasizing the implausibility of the excuse and the potential for corruption. On X, the story has gone viral, with users like @JagranNews and @abpanandatv highlighting the “strange case” of Dhanbad’s liquor shortage. The public response has been a mix of amusement and frustration, with many questioning how such a significant quantity of liquor could go missing without raising earlier alarms.
The incident has also sparked discussions about the broader issue of corruption in India’s liquor industry. Posts on X, such as one by @sohansingh05, reflect public skepticism, with users mocking the traders’ “innocent” claim that rats were responsible. The viral nature of the story has put pressure on the excise department to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability.
Potential Implications
The Dhanbad liquor scandal could have significant repercussions for Jharkhand’s excise department and the state’s liquor trade. If the investigation uncovers evidence of corruption, such as black-market sales or deliberate stock manipulation, the traders involved could face severe penalties, including fines, license revocations, or legal action. The incident may also prompt the state government to accelerate reforms under the new liquor policy, introducing stricter inventory controls and audits to prevent similar occurrences.
Beyond the immediate legal and financial consequences, the scandal has damaged public trust in the region’s liquor trade. The absurdity of the traders’ excuse has fueled perceptions of mismanagement and corruption, potentially undermining confidence in the excise department’s ability to regulate the industry effectively. The incident may also lead to increased public and media scrutiny of similar audits across Jharkhand, putting pressure on authorities to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
The claim by Dhanbad liquor traders that rats consumed 800 bottles of IMFL has emerged as one of the most bizarre scandals in Jharkhand’s recent history, blending elements of absurdity with serious questions about corruption and oversight in the liquor trade. As the excise department investigates the missing stock, the incident has highlighted systemic challenges in the industry, just weeks before a new liquor policy takes effect. The public’s reaction, amplified by viral posts on X and widespread media coverage, underscores the need for accountability and reform. Whether the traders’ excuse proves to be a creative cover-up or a genuine, albeit improbable, explanation, the Dhanbad liquor scandal will likely remain a topic of discussion, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency in India’s liquor trade.
