UP Excise Minister dismisses Asst Excise Commissioner from service for theft

A senior excise officer was removed by the state government in connection with the alleged theft of extra neutral alcohol (ENA) from a Gonda-based distillery. Probe showed that he was found guilty in the serious incident of spillage and theft in November 2024.

Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Excise (Independent Charge), Nitin Agarwal, has taken strict action against Assistant Excise Commissioner (Excise), Rampreet Chauhan, and removed him from service after he was found guilty in the serious incident of spillage and theft of 27,610 litres of bulk ENA at M/s Starlight Brookem Limited, Nawabganj Distillery in Gonda district.

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Taking cognizance of the matter in December 2024, Minister Agarwal suspended him with immediate effect and ordered a departmental inquiry.

The Excise Minister designated the Joint Excise Commissioner, Agra, as the investigating officer for the departmental inquiry. A detailed probe conducted by the investigating officer found Rampreet Chauhan guilty. Based on the investigation report, Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal dismissed Assistant Excise Commissioner Rampreet Chauhan from service.

Agarwal stated here on Monday that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption is being strictly followed in the Excise Department. Indiscipline, irregularities, negligence, and corruption of any kind will not be tolerated in the department, and anyone found involved in corruption or irregularities will face the strictest possible action, he added.