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.