Patna: District magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal on Monday issued fresh instructions to the station house officers (SHOs) and deputy superintendent of police (DSPs) and asked them to crack illegal trade of liquor in Patna.

Sources said the alleged hooch tragedy in Sasaram recently prompted the issuance of orders.

Agarwal said all SHOs and deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) will have to submit the report on how many cases of illegal liquor trade has come and what action has been taken into those cases. "I do not want that a tragedy like that of Rohtas recurs in Patna. So all SHOs and DSPs must be alert," Agarwal said.

He issued orders that the houses and godowns from where the liquor was seized in Patna would not be auctioned. "If any house or godown is of no use, then it would be demolished and the land would become government property," said Agarwal, adding that steps would be taken to instil confidence in people and discourage them from doing such things.

The district administration has already decided to auction around 22 different types of vehicles costing over Rs 60 lakh. The auction would take place at Miller High School, Patna, on November 6.

Agarwal issued the order while holding the review meeting in which Patna senior superintendent of police Manu Maharaaj was present along with other officers, including all sub-divisional officers.

The Patna DM stressed that if any SHO or DSP does not follow the instructions, disciplinary action would be taken against them.

"From now, the house and godowns would be immediately seized if liquor is found. We know that liquor is reaching Patna from neighbouring states but we have to keep an eye on those who are into the business and consuming it in Patna," said Agarwal.

Police will now approach the court to cancel the bail of all those people arrested earlier for violating the liquor act and put behind bars.