Karnataka introduces AIB-based excise system, revises liquor prices
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has implemented an Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB)-based excise duty structure in the state and revised the rates of liquor.
In a press note issued on Sunday, the State Excise Department said the new taxation structure, which has been done for the first time in India in line with the 2026-27 Budget announcement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was aimed at rationalising liquor pricing, making alcoholic beverages available at cheaper rates for consumers in Karnataka and aligning prices with neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Kerala.
"For the first time in India, the AIB-based excise duty structure has been implemented in Karnataka from May 11, 2026. It is globally recognised as the gold standard for alcohol taxation," the department said.
Under the new policy, the government-administered price fixation has been completely deregulated, it said, and added that product placement within slabs has been left to the producers based on market considerations.
According to the government notification dated May 8, 2026, Indian Made Liquor (IML) slabs have been rationalised and reduced from the earlier 16 slabs to eight slabs.
The Excise Department said the restructuring had been carried out keeping in mind the availability of liquor at cheaper rates to the consumers of the state and ensuring that it is lower and relatively equal to that of the neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Kerala.
The revised rates notified by the Excise Department include popular Indian Made Liquor (IML) brands and beer brands, with prices varying according to slab structures, pack sizes and alcohol content.
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Man abducted, assaulted, forced to drink urine in Ajmer; nine arrested
Jaipur (PTI): Nine persons, including a woman, have been arrested for allegedly abducting a man and subjecting him to torture in Rajasthan's Ajmer district, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place on Saturday in Gagwana village under the Gegal police station area and was allegedly linked to an ongoing dispute, they said.
According to police, a marriage between a woman and a man from Beer village, had ended in divorce following which she had been living at her parental home. About five months ago, the victim, identified as Jeetu (21), married the woman.
The woman's former in-laws allegedly objected to this marriage, claiming that the issue had not been settled in accordance with community norms, and that the dispute had been ongoing.
Following this, Jeetu was allegedly abducted on Saturday, held captive, and assaulted by the woman's former in-law's. He was allegedly forced to wear a garland of shoes and slippers and made to drink urine, police said.
A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, triggering outrage in the area.
Following the circulation of the video, Jeetu's family staged a protest at the Gegal police station, alleging delay in police action.
Rural Circle Officer Ramchandra Chaudhary reached the spot and assured the family of prompt action. A case was registered on Saturday evening and teams were formed to trace the accused.
Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agarwala said nine accused, including a woman, have been arrested and the vehicles used in the crime seized.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the other absconding accused, police said.
