BHAGALPUR: Seven data entry operators of the district transport office (DTO) were sent to jail on Sunday for consuming liquor in the office Saturday night.
Liquor is banned in Bihar.
Bhagalpur SSP Natasha Gudia said an FIR had been registered against them at Jogsar police station.
ASP (City) Puran Jha raided the DTO office on getting information about the liquor party inside the office and caught them there, she said.
Breathalyser tests of the seven accused confirmed liquor consumption.
Liquor and glasses etc were seized from the office.
The arrested data entry operators have been identified as Deepak Kumar, Rohit Kumar, Lallan Kumar, Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Rajiv Kumar, Pawan Kumar and Ajit Kumar.
Booze parties by the data entry operators and other office staff have been a regular feature inside the office after working hours or on holidays, said sources, adding that some insiders had informed the police about it.
Jogsar SHO PS Ajay Kumar Ajnaby said an FIR had been lodged under different sections of Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act of 2016.
Covid-19 tests were also conducted before producing the accused in the court, the SHO added.
The arrest of data entry operators, who were enjoying alcohol party inside the state government office in Bhagalpur, has come as shock and major embarrassment for the district officials.
The arrested data entry operators were stated to be appointed by a state government’s agency in Patna.
Meanwhile, the district administration is stated to have sent a report to the state government and the transport department about the illegal boozing activities inside the office and arrests.