Chandigarh Contractor Arrested for Organizing Free Vodka Ice Lollies
Liquor langar in Chandigarh Sector 9: 2 days on, contractor arrested

Image: Hindustan Times
Rajesh Sachdeva, a 53-year-old contractor from Panchkula, was arrested for hosting a ‘liquor langar’ in Chandigarh, where vodka-laced ice lollies were distributed for free. The incident has led to potential penalties and a license review by the excise department.
- 01Rajesh Sachdeva, the proprietor of Liquor World Wine Shop, organized the event in Sector 9, Chandigarh.
- 02The distribution of vodka-laced ice lollies violated multiple sections of the Punjab Liquor Licence Rules, 1956.
- 03The UT excise department issued a show-cause notice, citing violations that could lead to a ₹5 lakh penalty per instance.
- 04The Excise Policy 2026-27 prohibits any form of liquor promotion, including through social media.
- 05The licensee must respond to the excise department by June 1 or face potential license suspension.
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Rajesh Sachdeva, a 53-year-old from Saketri village in Panchkula, was arrested two days after videos emerged showing free vodka-laced ice lollies being distributed in a market in Sector 9, Chandigarh. The event, termed a ‘liquor langar’, was organized by Sachdeva, who owns Liquor World Wine Shop. The UT excise and taxation department responded by issuing a show-cause notice to Sachdeva for violating several sections of the Punjab Liquor Licence Rules, 1956. Specifically, Rule 37(2) prohibits liquor-related business outside licensed premises, while Rule 37(10) forbids offering free liquor. Additionally, the Excise Policy 2026-27 strictly prohibits any advertisement or promotion of liquor. Violations may incur a penalty of ₹5 lakh per instance. The excise department has invoked Section 36 of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, requiring Sachdeva to submit a written explanation by June 1, warning that failure to comply could result in suspension or cancellation of his liquor license.
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The incident raises concerns about liquor regulation enforcement in Chandigarh, potentially affecting local businesses and public safety.
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