In Arunachal Pradesh, a number of liquor businesses were the target of a concerted operation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The operation took place in a number of places, including Bordumsa, Namsai, Tippi, and the Itanagar Capital Region. Sources claim that the ED specifically targeted the liquor companies owned by wealthy businessman Niraj Sharma, who is well-known for having ties to powerful state political figures. His company, United Brothers Distilleries Private Limited, was one of the leading enterprises in the market, and his businesses in Namsai and Naharlagon were also listed in the search results. Sanjay Dewan’s Lekhi-based company, NEFA Breweries Pvt Ltd, was another target.
Red Star and Tuborg are two of the company’s well-known beer brands. Lily Nabam and Pooja Dhanuka reportedly share directorship with Dewan. An additional target of the operation was Rajan Lohia, a businessman from Dibrugarh, Assam. They searched his liquor bond in Naharlagun. Lohia is well-known for his entrepreneurial endeavors, such as the well-liked Manohari Gold Tea, which made national news when it sold for a record amount at auction. Additional raids were carried out at Rajesh Aggarwal’s locations in Banderdewa and Naharlagun, where he runs a brewery that produces Royal Style and Blue Whisky. Reports state that accusations of tax evasion served as the impetus for ED measures that started at approximately nine in the morning and lasted until late at night.
